Tanya Oxtoby Appointed Northern Ireland Women’s Team Manager
The Football Association of Northern Ireland (FAI) has announced the appointment of Tanya Oxtoby as the new manager of the Northern Ireland women’s team. The 41-year-old Australian, who was an assistant coach at Chelsea and previously managed Bristol City, has signed a four-year contract.
Northern Ireland have been without a permanent manager since January, when Kenny Shiels stepped down from his role after four years in charge. Oxtoby’s first game will be against the Republic of Ireland in the inaugural Nations League next month.
Oxtoby is an experienced coach and player, having helped Chelsea to win the WSL and FA Cup two years in a row during her time at the club. She was also the manager of fellow WSL side Bristol City and had a spell as assistant manager of Scotland women’s national team, as well as playing for Australian sides Western Waves and Perth Glory as well as Doncaster Rovers Belles in her playing days.
On her appointment, Oxtoby said: “I’m really excited to be part of the next stage of international women’s football in this football-loving country. I’m very much looking forward to contributing my experience and expertise to this exciting and talented team to help us achieve our potential. I will be giving everything to help develop the Northern Ireland team and ensure women’s and girls’ football continues to grow and succeed on an international stage.”
The FAI is confident that Oxtoby is the right person to take the Northern Ireland women’s team forward and help them reach their potential on the international stage.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said: “We are delighted to have secured Tanya’s services for the next four years and we are confident that she is the right person to take the team forward and help them reach their potential on the international stage.”
He added: “Tanya has a wealth of experience in coaching and managing at the highest level and we are looking forward to working with her to develop the team and ensure that they are successful in their upcoming Nations League campaign.”
Oxtoby will be hoping to make an immediate impact with her new team and help them to make a positive start to their Nations League campaign when they face the Republic of Ireland next month.
With her experience and expertise, Oxtoby is sure to be a great asset to the Northern Ireland women’s team and help them to reach their full potential on the international stage in the coming years.