08 July 2023 , 09:13
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Tottenham Hotspur ’s managerial hunt has reached its conclusion with Robert Vilahamn appointed on a two-year deal to replace Rehanne Skinner, who was sacked in March.
The 40-year-old Swede moves to Spurs from BK Hacken, where he had been head coach since 2022. Vilahman led his side to back-to-back Swedish Cup final appearances and secured Champions League qualification during his first campaign.
The move to north London represents the first time Vilahamn will manage in English top-flight.
Spurs finished ninth last season, scraping to WSL safety in the penultimate weekend thanks to an inspired performance against Reading by record domestic signing Bethany England.
The final standing was their lowest placing since promotion in 2019 and was a far cry from the expectation surrounding Tottenham following their impressive fifth-place finish the year prior.
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Under Skinner, Spurs struggled to relish any attacking edge or cohesion and the 43-year-old was sacked in March on the back of eight successive defeats that left her side flirting dangerously close to the relegation spot.
Vilahman will be tasked with improving on Spurs’ finish last season, from honing a more united squad dynamic and bringing in talent to replace a slew of summer departures.
Already the latter looks off to a good start, with Spurs making their first signing of the summer less than 24 hours after Vilahman's appointment in Swiss international defender Luana Bühler from 1899 Hoffenheim. The 27-year-old touts plenty of Champions League experience, a clear sign of the calibre from which Spurs are bidding to build their squad.
Spurs say their new boss' coaching staff will be appointed in "due course".
After playing for IFK Goteborg and Sweden under-19s, Vilahamn began his coaching career with Ytterby IS in his homeland, leading them to successive promotions before joining Orgryte IS to take charge of their under-19s.
After moving to Qviding, Vilahamn once again achieved consecutive promotions. He then was appointed assistant manager of BK Hacken’s men’s team before taking over the women’s side in 2022.
Vilahamn told Spurs' 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."
Andy Rogers, Spurs Women's managing director, added: "Robert is an ambitious, dynamic and successful coach, and we are excited to welcome him to the club ahead of the upcoming season.
"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."
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