Tanya Oxtoby has stepped away from her role as Northern Ireland women’s national team head coach to take on the managerial position at Newcastle United Women in WSL 2, describing the move as one she “didn’t take lightly.”

The 43-year-old Australian brings a wealth of experience to Newcastle, having previously managed Bristol City between 2018 and 2021 and served as assistant coach under Emma Hayes at Chelsea. Oxtoby hopes her return to day-to-day club coaching, with greater resources and infrastructure, will enable her to fulfill the ambition of guiding Newcastle into the top tier of women’s football in England.

Leaving Northern Ireland: Timing and Motivation

Oxtoby spent two years in charge of Northern Ireland, arriving in 2023 during a transitional period for the squad. She guided a young and evolving team through professionalization, but ultimately felt that the timing was right to move into the club game.

“Getting back on the grass every day is something I really missed. I hope I can have a really positive impact. It wasn’t a decision [my family and I] took lightly,” Oxtoby told BBC Sport.
“As the international breaks start to get longer and my little boy gets a bit older, the time away from each other was getting more difficult. Not being on the grass as much and working with players every day was what I was craving again.”

When Oxtoby joined Northern Ireland, she inherited a small staff, limited resources, and a squad in need of rejuvenation. She lowered the average age of the squad from 26.7 to 24.8 and increased the percentage of players competing in England or Scotland, helping to professionalize the program.

“I’m super proud of what I did there – the transition of the squad, bringing younger players through, and putting in processes and professional standards,” she said.
“But it was taking a little bit longer than I would have liked. Newcastle offers the resources and staff to implement processes more quickly.”

Experience in Club Football and the WSL

Oxtoby has previous WSL experience, both as manager of Bristol City and as an assistant coach at Chelsea, where she worked under Emma Hayes. She knows the expectations that come with managing a club with clear ambitions and resources invested in success.

“I came in with my eyes open, knowing exactly what we were going after. I embraced it and wanted it,” Oxtoby said.
“I wanted to be in an environment where there was a real ambition and drive to want to succeed. When I talk about alignment, that’s exactly it.”

Discussions with Newcastle executives included planning for the January transfer window and implementing a two- to three-year strategic plan for the club. Oxtoby highlighted the importance of leading a multidisciplinary team, establishing clear processes at WSL level, and developing winning players.

Lessons From International Football

Oxtoby believes her time with Northern Ireland taught her valuable lessons in adaptability and planning. Working within the constraints of international football, she learned to adjust processes to achieve outcomes despite limited time, resources, or personnel.

“You know what the best practice is and how you want it to look, but sometimes you can’t do that fully—whether that’s due to time, resources, or personnel,” Oxtoby explained.
“It’s about tweaking your approach so you still get the outcome you want. International football also forces you to plan every single detail, which I can now apply in a club environment.”

Looking Ahead at Newcastle

Oxtoby takes over Newcastle United Women at a pivotal moment, aiming to secure promotion to the WSL and establish the club as a competitive force in English women’s football. With her experience in both international and top-tier domestic football, she is well-positioned to bring professionalism, ambition, and tactical expertise to the Magpies.