Captain Jenna Schillaci believes the spirit in the Spurs Ladies squad is just as strong as last season – and she hopes that can help Karen Hills’ side to continue their progress.

Tottenham won the Ryman and FA Women’s Premier League Cup last term, while finishing sixth in the league, and they are aiming to have similar success in the upcoming campaign, which starts at the end of this month.

“Morale is going to be a massive factor, that’s part of why we were so strong last season,” Schillaci told Ham&High Sport. “When everyone’s working together on the same level and supporting each other, that’s when we’re at our strongest.

“Everyone’s back in, there’s a lot of banter flying around, team spirit is good and we’re going to rely on that a lot in the season.

“Last season was amazing for us, we just want to get better and stronger. We’re going to try and push on in the league and, again, we’d love to have some cup success after last year.

“Last season we had a really strong squad, this season is the same again. In each position we’ve got a number of players that can play in it. It’s really going to be important later on in the campaign when we start picking up injuries – we’re all confident that everyone can fill in where needed.”

Ahead of the season opener against Swindon Town on August 28, the Lilywhites will be provided with stern opposition over the next few weeks, starting with a game against Arsenal’s highly-regarded developmental side at Cheshunt tomorrow night (Wednesday, kick-off 7.45pm).

“It will be a strong test but we’re looking fit and strong – everyone’s been putting in the effort,” said Schillaci. “It will be a good test to see how far we’ve come, and to see what we’ve still got to do before the season starts.”