“It's an honour” - Bartrip on a century in Lilywhite

Molly Bartrip was full of pride as she reflected on the huge privilege to bring up a century of appearances for Spurs.

A regular feature at the heart of our defence under Robert Vilahamn, the centre-back made her 100^th appearance for the Club in Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League game against Brighton & Hove Albion, becoming just the fourth player in the current squad to achieve this feat.

It has been some journey in our colours for the 28-year-old. One of our own, Molly started out with us at Under-10 level before seeking opportunities elsewhere at youth level and later establishing herself at senior level with Reading.

Having returned to the Club in July, 2021, Molly has now gone on to write her name in our history books – an achievement she could never have imagined when she was just starting out back in the mid-2000s.

“I never thought I would have even made any appearances in the WSL at that age, so I just feel really, really lucky,” said our number five.

“I'm proud, obviously, to have been able to even get to near the hundred mark for a Club like this, it is an honour. I just want to keep performing as much as I can, helping the people around me, helping the team and hopefully bring more success.”

And not only has the defender been on a personal journey to England’s top flight but has also experienced the Club’s ascent too, and she reflected on the progress she has seen throughout the years.

“When I first came, we weren't based at the training ground, now we have our own building and good facilities that will hopefully help us to improve as individuals and as a team.

“Naturally with the league, there's been so many more investments, teams even coming into the league that are at the top level, you're seeing players coming to this league that you’ve probably dreamt of playing against when you were younger.

“Every game that I'm lucky enough to play in, I think ‘I’m playing against some incredible players right now’ and I never thought I'd be able to do that growing up and, if I’m honest, even five or six years ago, so I just honestly feel really, really lucky to be where I'm at.”

Gallery | Molly's journey in photos

While she has already surpassed 100 appearances in the WSL – achieved in April, 2023 - this was her 78th game in our colours in the competition – only Jess Naz (78) and Ashleigh Neville (101) have played in more.

And Molly has been an ever-present in our starting XI so far this term, starting in all 16 WSL games while also appearing in our five cup fixtures – only ‘Ash’ has done the same this campaign.

So, it’s fair to say that our number five has experienced some memorable moments in Lilywhite, but what has been her favourite to date?

“It has got to be the north London derby win,” she acclaimed. “Obviously, as a team, getting into an FA Cup Final was amazing but I would probably say the north London derby, it was a special moment, I could tell you that.

“It was crazy and I still kind of hear the cheering sometimes when we play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, sometimes you can feel the energy from the crowd and I think with that Arsenal game, that's what we felt.

“It was 0-0 for a long time and then Martha toe-poked it in, it was just a surreal experience and I was just super proud to be part of the team was amazing.”

Watch | Matchday uncut of our win against Arsenal

Reaching a century of appearances is always a special moment for any player, but to be able to do it while captaining the side in front of our loyal Lilywhite fanbase was a moment of real pride.

“They have helped me so much, been super supportive of my past as well,” she added, reflecting on the supporters’ impact on her journey.

“Every game I get some lovely comments and they really touch home, if I'm honest. I'm just super grateful that the fans have brought me in, cheered us on when times are tough and we’re super supportive here at the Club.

“We want to keep pushing and we know this year has not been where we want to be, but stick with us - onwards and upwards.”