Ho's Coaching Journey: From Everton Academy to Tottenham Hotspur
The trajectory of a football coach is often defined by a blend of early academic grounding and a series of strategic appointments. For Ho, a Liverpool native born in 1990 to a Chinese father and English mother, the transition from player to mentor happened early. After starting as an academy player for Everton, Ho pivoted his focus toward coaching, setting the stage for a rapid ascent through some of the most prestigious women's football organizations in Europe.
Early Career and Development
Ho's professional coaching foundation was built within the English game. Between 2015 and 2018, he served as the assistant manager to Andy Spence at Everton Women. This period allowed him to hone his tactical approach and leadership skills within a competitive environment.
Following his tenure at Everton, Ho took on the role of head coach for the Liverpool Women's U21 team. This position provided him with the opportunity to lead a squad and develop young talent before he moved into a high-profile role as the assistant manager at Manchester United Women in 2020.
International Success with Brann
In 2023, Ho expanded his horizons by moving to Norway to join the Toppserien (the top flight of women's football in Norway) club Brann. Hired as the head coach to replace Olli Harder, Ho faced a challenging domestic season that proved difficult to salvage.
However, his tenure at Brann was highlighted by significant success in the 2023–24 UEFA Women's Champions League. Under his guidance, the team secured a second-place finish in the group stages. Their impressive run continued into the knockout phase, where they were eventually eliminated in the quarter-finals by the tournament champions, Barcelona.
Appointment at Tottenham Hotspur
On July 4, 2025, it was officially announced that Ho had been appointed as the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur in the Women's Super League (WSL), the highest professional league for women's football in England.
His impact and vision for the club were recognized shortly after his arrival. In March 2026, Ho signed a "long-term" contract with Tottenham Hotspur, although the specific duration of the agreement remains confidential.
Key Facts
- Birthplace: Liverpool, England (1990).
- Early Role: Academy player at Everton before transitioning to coaching.
- Major Clubs: Everton Women, Liverpool Women's U21, Manchester United Women, Brann, and Tottenham Hotspur.
- European Achievement: Led Brann to the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals in 2023–24.
- Current Status: Head coach of Tottenham Hotspur under a long-term contract signed in March 2026.
| Period | Club/Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–2018 | Everton Women | Assistant Manager |
| Post-2018 | Liverpool Women's U21 | Head Coach |
| 2020 | Manchester United Women | Assistant Manager |
| 2023 | Brann | Head Coach |
| 2025–Present | Tottenham Hotspur | Head Coach |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Ho begin his football career?
Ho began his career as an academy player for Everton in his hometown of Liverpool.
Which European competition did Ho find success in with Brann?
Ho led Brann to a second-place finish in the group stages of the 2023–24 UEFA Women's Champions League, eventually reaching the quarter-finals.
Who did Brann play against in the Champions League quarter-finals?
Brann was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Barcelona, who went on to become the eventual champions.
When did Ho join Tottenham Hotspur?
Ho was appointed as the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur on July 4, 2025.
How long is Ho's contract with Tottenham Hotspur?
While he signed a "long-term" contract in March 2026, the exact length of the agreement has not been made public.