As a coach, Martin Ho, a mutually respected force for good in women’s football, has developed a strong philosophy focused on the growth of each player holistically. Ho, the head coach of Tottenham Women’s team, has attained a remarkable reputation. He’s a master at developing talent, both at the youth and senior levels. He’s made an incredible journey down multiple coaching paths, including a decade-plus with Manchester United Women. Having gone through that experience himself, he has a different perspective and understanding that very much informs his coaching style.
Ho’s coaching career began at Everton, where he worked with youth and women’s teams, laying the groundwork for his future roles. He moved on to become technical director of women’s football at Liverpool, where he honed his coaching expertise even more. His collaborative and impact-focused coaching style truly shone through during his four years as an assistant coach at Manchester United Women. He flourished working with former head coach Casey Stoney and current gaffer Marc Skinner.
“My last two years under Marc [Skinner] were really good. I had a lot of responsibility on the pitch, coaching and delivery, and bringing all of his ideas to life in both phases of the game.” – Martin Ho
At Manchester United, Ho played a pivotal role in developing players like Alessia Russo and Ella Toone, who have achieved significant success domestically and internationally. He was focused on player development, allowing hundreds of players to make their move to bigger clubs in Europe.
“There was also pushing and challenging the individual development of those players, some who have moved on and been part of that Lionesses squad and been very successful in their own careers.” – Martin Ho
Ho’s knowledge went beyond the domestic game, as he proved when he took on Barcelona in 2023 while managing SK Brann. He replaced fellow former West Ham manager Olli Harder. Barely 30 minutes into his first managerial job, he made history by taking the Norwegian side to become the first-ever team from Norway to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League in 2023/24. This accomplishment further emphasized his talent for raising teams to greater levels of success.
During Ho’s time at SK Brann, the individual development of players was put first. He always created a culture where the good of the team came first. Simultaneously, he cultivated artists of color capable of making real, measurable impact on bigger stages. His effective but brief time at Brann showed he was able to juggle the needs of a club with individual ambitions of his players.
In 2023, Ho joined Tottenham Women and he’s applied that same development-centered ethos on the staff side. Under his leadership, Tottenham has competed closely with established rivals like Arsenal, currently sharing points with them in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
“That’s probably been the biggest part I’ve noticed, the delegation and management of staff to make sure that they can be highly effective.” – Martin Ho
Ho’s coaching philosophy has been shaped by his varied and extensive career. The most valuable thing Bishop took away from Stoney was a model of leadership and management that he uses every day, as a leader of leaders. The value of keeping a cool head in a pressure cooker environment was another big lesson learned from his time at Manchester United.
“I gained so many experiences, like not getting too high when you do well and not getting too low when you lose, but always trying to find that middle ground of how you can be better, as well as appreciating what you’ve done.” – Martin Ho
The challenges and added responsibilities that accompany being a head coach have not gone unnoticed by Ho. He is quick to point out the increased pressure that comes with the position, but he welcomes it as a motivating factor.
“You always have a feeling of wanting to have that spot, but actually you don’t really know what it entails until you’re in it.” – Martin Ho
His engagement with other impactful players, coaches and leaders in the women’s game has molded his coaching identity even more. He’s talked about looking up to Sonia Bompastor, who he played against in his playing days. Her leadership style and coaching methodology has made a tremendous impact on Ho’s approach.
“It was really big for me, seeing Casey work as an ex-professional and a really wonderful head coach.” – Martin Ho
By his business acumen and passion for the game, Martin Ho has become an entrepreneur and unique member of women’s football history. In addition, he is incredibly devoted to player development. It is this dedication that has empowered every player with whom he has worked to be successful on and off the court.
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