Drew Spence breaks WSL appearance record with 217th game

Drew Spence became the Women’s Super League’s all-time appearance leader when she started Tottenham’s match against Birmingham City on Sunday. The 34-year-old midfielder made her 217th appearance in the competition, moving ahead of former Chelsea captain Millie Bright, BBC Sport reported. The milestone comes in Spence’s first season as Tottenham captain following her appointment during the summer.

Spence told the BBC that the achievement mattered both to her and to her family, reflecting years of work to remain fit and available. She said winning trophies had been her main focus earlier in her career, rather than individual records. Maintaining her motivation across so many seasons and making sacrifices to look after herself had helped her reach the landmark.

Her club career has remained in London. After developing in the academies at Arsenal and Fulham, Spence spent 14 years at Chelsea before joining Tottenham in 2022. She won five league titles and four FA Cups during her time at Chelsea. She also changed international allegiance from England to Jamaica in 2021, adding another chapter to a career now marked by the WSL appearance record.

At Tottenham, Spence has taken on a prominent role under manager Martin Ho. She played 22 games in her first season at the club, more than in any of her individual Chelsea campaigns. According to the BBC, she had played every minute of Tottenham’s league season heading into Sunday’s fixture. Spence credited improved nutrition, quicker recovery and a better understanding of her body with helping her current fitness.

Spence also acknowledged that she wished she had learned some of those lessons sooner. She felt a more structured approach earlier in her career might have helped her perform more consistently at Chelsea. Ho praised the changes she has made physically, technically and tactically, saying her professionalism and ability to adapt had helped sustain her career and earned respect at Tottenham.

The record does not mark the end of Spence’s ambitions. She told the BBC that she still sees areas of her game to improve and has no immediate plans to retire. Ho described her as an important part of his plans, while Spence said she wants to continue playing for as long as she can.