Tottenham Hotspur Women have ushered in a new era, officially naming Robert Vilahamn as their new head coach on a two-year contract. The move signals a clear intent from the North London club to reverse their fortunes after a difficult season, turning to a highly-regarded Swedish tactician to lead the charge. This Six6s exclusive delves deep into the appointment, analyzing what the 40-year-old brings to the Women’s Super League and what fans can expect from his tactical philosophy.
Who is Robert Vilahamn?
Robert Vilahamn arrives in North London from Swedish outfit BK Hacken, where he carved out an impressive reputation in a relatively short time. Appointed head coach in 2022, he made an immediate impact, guiding the team to the Swedish Cup final in both of his seasons at the helm. Perhaps most impressively, he secured Champions League qualification during his very first campaign, a feat that undoubtedly caught the eye of the Spurs hierarchy.
His journey to the WSL is a story of steady progression and proven success. After a playing career that included time at IFK Goteborg and representing Sweden at the U19 level, Vilahamn transitioned into coaching with grassroots side Ytterby IS. There, he announced himself by securing back-to-back promotions, demonstrating a knack for building winning teams. This success paved the way for roles at Orgryte IS and Qviding, where he repeated his promotion-winning heroics, before eventually joining BK Hacken, first as an assistant with the men’s team and then taking the reins of the women’s side.
The Challenge Ahead at Tottenham
Vilahamn steps into a role that demands a swift and significant turnaround. He replaces Rehanne Skinner, who was relieved of her duties in March following a devastating run of eight consecutive defeats. The team ultimately finished a disappointing ninth in the WSL table—their lowest placing since earning promotion to the top flight in 2019.
The challenge is clear, but so is the potential. As Vilahamn stated on the club’s website, “It’s an honour to join this world-renowned football club and I’m truly motivated by both the challenge and the opportunity that comes with this role. The club has a talented group of players and I look forward to leading this team in such an exciting project.” His words suggest a manager who sees the foundation for success rather than just the scale of the task.
A Philosophy of Development and Ambition
The appointment aligns perfectly with the club’s stated ambitions. Andy Rogers, Spurs Women’s Managing Director, emphasized Vilahamn‘s suitability, noting, “Robert is an ambitious, dynamic and successful coach… He has a track record of developing players to international level and competing for both domestic trophies and in the Champions League, demonstrating his ability to match our own ambitions and philosophy.”
This focus on player development is crucial for a team like Tottenham, which may not have the same financial firepower as the league’s established giants but can compete by nurturing and maximizing talent. Vilahamn’s history of achieving promotions and punching above his weight with BK Hacken in European competition suggests he is the ideal candidate to build a competitive and cohesive unit.
What Can Spurs Fans Expect?
From a tactical perspective, followers of the Swedish game describe Vilahamn as a progressive coach who favors an organized, possession-based style of play. He is known for his ability to improve individual players, a key attribute for getting the best out of Tottenham’s existing squad. His experience in the Champions League, however brief, also provides invaluable knowledge for a club with aspirations of one day competing regularly in Europe.
The club has confirmed that Vilahamn’s backroom staff will be appointed in “due course,” which will be another critical piece of the puzzle. Bringing in assistants who share his footballing vision will be vital for implementing his ideas quickly during the pre-season.
Six6s Prediction and Conclusion
The appointment of Robert Vilahamn is a statement of intent from Six6s Tottenham Hotspur. It is a move that looks beyond a quick fix, opting instead for a builder—a coach with a proven record of development, tactical acumen, and overachievement. While the shadow of last season’s poor form looms large, Vilahamn’s pedigree suggests he is well-equipped to oversee a period of positive change.
The immediate goal will be to climb the WSL table and re-establish the team as a competitive force. In the long term, his experience in securing European football will be the benchmark for success. For Spurs fans, the Vilahamn era represents a fresh start and a reason for renewed optimism.
What are your thoughts on the new appointment? Can Robert Vilahamn lead Tottenham back into the top half of the table? Share your predictions and join the conversation below.
