Drew Spence on new deal: “I feel the best I've ever felt in my career”

Drew Spence has been nothing short of consistent this campaign - and that is something the midfielder, who has just signed a new deal at the Club, hopes she and her team-mates can maintain for the rest of what has been a very encouraging season so far.

The vastly experienced midfielder has been a key component of Martin Ho’s side in his first few months in charge, playing in nine of our 10 WSL games so far and forming a strong partnership in midfield alongside Eveliina Summanen.

Having joined us in June, 2022, from Chelsea, the 33-year-old has racked up 75 appearances in Lilywhite to date, scoring 10 goals, and she spoke about the family-feel environment in the squad that helped her commit her future in north London.

“I'm really pleased,” she told us, speaking to SPURSPLAY after penning a new contract. “I feel so comfortable here at the Club and I can see where it’s progressing to. Since Martin's [Ho] come in, there's been a massive shift and a massive change. I can see that progression and it shows in our results so far.

“It feels like a family. The feeling amongst the girls is great, and we're learning every day. It's been a massive six months for us, and we have to keep taking these steps.”

Asked to reflect on the first half of the campaign so far: “We've been very consistent - that's the key word. We want to keep that going for the rest of the season and beyond. We're in a good spot right now, but we need to make sure we stay on top of it. We're really proud of where we are but keeping that consistency is the key.”

Arguably one of the standout results this campaign was the late turnaround against Aston Villa at the weekend. Having fallen behind in the 84th-minute, we managed to net an instant equaliser through Bethany England before, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Drew played a lovely pass to set Olivia Holdt up for the winning goal.

Despite her positive performances in midfield this term, the Jamaica international wants even more from herself – particularly in goal involvements after registering her first assist of the season.

“I'm really critical of my own game and I want to provide more for the group,” she added. “I want more goals and more assists. That was my first of the season and it's taken too many games to get into that position, but it's something I need to keep working on.”

Having made her WSL debut in 2010, the tough-tackling midfielder is now closing on an impressive 200 appearances in England’s top flight – currently on 186 – and she is keen to use her experience to help the younger players progressing through into the group.

“I’m the oldest in the team - everyone loves to remind me!” she said, as she beamed with a smile. “But I don't feel like it, I feel the best I've ever felt in my career. I have a good relationship with the younger players and I try to share my experience. It's weird being the oldest - I’ve always been one of the younger ones - but it's nice. A different experience.”