Drew Spence Makes History as WSL's All-Time Appearance Leader
Tottenham's Drew Spence is making waves in the Women's Super League as she proudly claims the title of all-time appearance record holder.
The 34-year-old midfielder hit a milestone during Sunday’s match against Birmingham City, marking her 217th appearance in the league. With this achievement, she surpasses former Chelsea captain Millie Bright and stands on the verge of becoming the first outfield player for Tottenham to play a full 90 minutes in all their WSL games this season.
"I've been around for a while! I'm incredibly proud to be able to do that, and it's not just a proud moment for me but also for my family," Spence shared with BBC Sport.
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the dedication that has gone into reaching this point. "When you're younger, you don’t really think about these types of accolades. It was always about winning trophies. Now that I've achieved this, it’s a massive part of my career that I can look back on with pride."
Spence has spent her entire professional career in London, having spent 14 years at Chelsea before joining Tottenham in 2022. She journeyed through the academies of Arsenal and Fulham before switching international allegiances from England to Jamaica in 2021.
During her time at Chelsea, Spence collected five league titles and four FA Cups, contributing to one of the most successful teams in English football history. Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert praised her, saying, "She was a great teammate, such a sweet soul off the pitch, but when she got on it, she was an absolute warrior."
Cuthbert continued, "She deserves all the praise for her longevity. Now, she’s a leader at Spurs."
Since being named Tottenham captain last summer, Spence has become a pivotal player under manager Martin Ho. In her debut season with Spurs, she played 22 matches, more than in any of her previous campaigns at Chelsea, and she’s already clocked every minute this season.
"I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life. I’m recovering quicker and understanding my body better, which has made a huge difference," Spence said, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and recovery.
Despite her record, Spence admits she has some regrets. She wishes she had known earlier how to take better care of her body to enhance her consistency during her Chelsea days.
"I have a lot of regrets in my career, but now I’m focused on being consistent and leading the team," she explained. "If I had understood my body better, I might have had more chances to shine earlier on. But that’s all part of the journey."
Tottenham's manager, Ho, praised Spence for her hard work and adaptability. "She’s earned huge respect at the club for her commitment and evolution as a player. She deserves all the accolades for her longevity and professionalism."
Spence has also been a voice for change, being part of the Jamaican squad that called for reforms within the Jamaica Football Federation in 2023. Ho noted that the challenges she has faced have shaped her into the player she is today.
"Drew has used her experiences to elevate herself and grow as a player. I believe she can continue playing for as long as she wants. She’s sharp, intelligent, and a crucial part of our plans."
Looking ahead, Spence is determined to keep pushing herself. "There are still aspects of my game to improve, and I want to give everything until I can no longer play. Football was always my biggest dream, and I want to enjoy it for as long as I can."
