Tottenham arrived at last summer battered after ending second from bottom in the WSL, with only relegated Crystal Palace shipping more goals during a dismal run that cost manager Robert Vilahamn his job.

Ho stepped in as Vilahamn's replacement, arriving from Norwegian club SK Brann, where he had guided them to the quarter-finals of the 2023-24 Women's Champions League.

Ho made an immediate mark, as Tottenham claimed victory in four of their first five fixtures - their sole loss against title holders Manchester City.

Notable stalemates against Arsenal and Manchester United ensued, leaving Spurs tied on points with the Gunners for third place heading into 2026.

A high-energy pressing game, enhanced ball-playing flair and a solid backline highlighted the progress under Ho, complemented by shrewd signings.

March brought Ho a fresh long-term deal, and - even after slipping from top-four contention lately - Tottenham head into summer with optimism.

Looking back on the term, Ho noted: "The season has delivered positives on multiple fronts, both on-field and behind the scenes. We've gained valuable insights and grown considerably.

"These elements lay robust groundwork for what's ahead. I'm delighted with our achievements.

"That said, fifth place brings no silverware. Our aim is to challenge, triumph and claim honors.

"The players and staff deserve credit for their efforts, yet much remains to be accomplished."

A win over Brighton on Saturday (13:00 BST) could place Tottenham within four points of Manchester United - Ho's former assistant role there spanning three years.

This would lift spirits after three straight WSL losses in March and an FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Chelsea last month.

"We launched strongly before hitting some rough patches later on," Ho continued.

"Our response to setbacks shows real character, enabling solid overall results.

"Off the field, the infrastructure and systems we've established stand out, setting us up for enduring success and summer momentum."

Tottenham placed fifth in the WSL in 2022 before tumbling to ninth the next year.

Under Vilahamn, they made their debut FA Cup final in 2024 - paired with sixth in the league - only to slump to near-relegation the campaign after.

Similar slides have hit others: Liverpool fell from fourth to seventh last season, while Aston Villa went from fifth to seventh in 2024.

What steps can Spurs take to buck the trend?

"Sustained progress is vital. No team has repeated fifth or climbed higher consecutively," Ho observed.

"Fifth is advancement, with clear strides made, though fortune played a part.

"We can carry forward strengths and sharpen weaknesses. Investing raises expectations.

"We've earned this spot, so we must welcome the pressure. Players need to grasp that top-tier sustainability in domestic and European play demands elevating our game sevenfold."

Boosting squad depth tops Tottenham's priorities, with Ho revealing most summer transfers are complete.

"Several additions are secured, enhancing depth, youth and expertise," he explained.

"I'm eager for the off-season, the horizon and our potential next year. Goal output must spread across the roster, and defense is a focus area.

"We must cultivate a tougher mindset for elite competition.

"Equally key is bolstering our internal framework to equip players fully."