Key Highlights
- Tanya Oxtoby has left her role as Northern Ireland manager to become head coach at WSL 2 side Newcastle United.
- Oxtoby signed a four-year contract with Northern Ireland in 2023 and was in charge for two years until this move.
- Newcastle had been without a head coach since Becky Langley left on October 21, 2024.
- Under Oxtoby’s tenure, Northern Ireland saw significant youth development but struggled to break into the top tier of football.
The Move to Newcastle United
Tanya Oxtoby has made a significant career move, leaving her role as Northern Ireland manager to take up a new challenge at WSL 2 side Newcastle United. Oxtoby, who is 43 years old and has spent two years leading the Irish national team, will now join Newcastle until 2029 under an existing contract that runs for four more years.
Speaking on the Newcastle United website, Oxtoby expressed her excitement about this new opportunity. “I am excited and honoured,” she stated. “It is an exciting project, and it’s my job to add to that. We are very ambitious, and it will be an amazing journey.”
A Career in Coaching
With this move, Oxtoby brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles. She managed Bristol City from 2018 to 2021 before becoming assistant coach to Emma Hayes at Chelsea for two seasons. Her managerial career began at Nottingham Forest in 2012.
Under Oxtoby, Northern Ireland faced mixed results on the pitch. Despite these challenges, she managed to foster a new generation of players and accelerate their pathway to the senior team. “I am excited about this new challenge,” Oxtoby added. “It’s an opportunity to develop players and take us to the next level.”
The Impact on Northern Ireland
Under Oxtoby, Northern Ireland had a transition period marked by youth development. However, they struggled against top-tier opposition, as evidenced by their recent loss to Iceland in qualifying play-offs for Euro 2025. “It’s been an honour and a privilege to lead Northern Ireland,” Oxtoby told the Irish FA’s website. “We have seen a massive transition of young players coming through.”
The departure of Oxtoby marks a new era for the national team, which will now need to find a successor who can bridge the gap between current talent and top-tier competition.
Conclusion
Tanya Oxtoby’s move from Northern Ireland to Newcastle United signals an exciting transition in women’s football. With her experience and ambition, she is expected to bring new momentum to the Newcastle team. As for Northern Ireland, they must now focus on selecting a new coach who can build upon the progress made under Oxtoby.
