Tanya Oxtoby leaves Northern Ireland to become Newcastle United Women head coach

Tanya Oxtoby has left her role as Northern Ireland manager to become head coach of Newcastle United Women in the Women's Super League 2.

The 43-year-old has spent two years in charge of Northern Ireland after taking the role in 2023 and has signed a contract with Newcastle until 2029.

“I am excited and honoured to join Newcastle United Women. This is a bold project with real ambition, and I want to help every player reach their potential and take us to the next level,” she said on the club's website.

“My job is to develop players and guide us on a journey that will be successful.”

Oxtoby previously led Bristol City from 2018 to 2021 and spent two seasons as Emma Hayes' assistant at Chelsea. She has also had spells with Scotland, Birmingham City and Perth Glory, and served as Australia Under-20s assistant. Her managerial career began at Nottingham Forest in 2012.

Northern Ireland's results under Oxtoby included a Euro 2025 qualifying play-off defeat to Norway. In recent action, NI were beaten 5-0 on aggregate by Iceland in a Nations League playoff, ending hopes of promotion to the top tier.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead Northern Ireland,” Oxtoby told the Irish FA website after the announcement of her departure. “We have overseen a strong transition, with young players coming through and a high-performance environment that is a credit to players and staff.”

Newcastle had been without a head coach since Becky Langley left in October, with the club sitting ninth in WSL 2. They turned professional in 2023 and finished fifth in their first season in the second tier. This season, the top two are promoted automatically, while the third-place side faces a playoff with the bottom team in the WSL.

Analysis – A new challenge for Oxtoby and NI

On the surface, Oxtoby’s move comes with two years left on her contract. The timing reflects a natural shift after Kenny Shiels’ departure and her Chelsea experience. Northern Ireland have been a stable League B team, strong enough to avoid relegation but still chasing a breakthrough to League A or major tournaments.

Her tenure accelerated a path for younger players to the senior team, and the full impact may take time as the squad continues to grow. The Irish FA now faces the task of appointing a successor who can bridge the gap to the top level.

Key takeaway: Oxtoby’s appointment signals a new era for Newcastle United Women and Northern Ireland, with a focus on developing younger talent to challenge higher divisions. Source

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