tanya oxtoby

Tanya is a UEFA Pro Licence coach and former professional defender who is currently head coach of Newcastle United Women, having taken on the role in 2025. She is also the current manager of the Northern Ireland women’s national team.

Born in Wickham, Western Australia, she began playing football at a young age and progressed through the Australian system before moving into senior domestic football. As a player, she featured in the W-League with Perth Glory before moving to England, where she played in the Women’s Super League for Doncaster Rovers Belles and Everton.

After retiring, she quickly moved into coaching, beginning with Nottingham Forest Ladies before returning to Australia as assistant coach at Perth Glory and working with the Australia U20 national team. She then held roles at Notts County and Birmingham City, before becoming head coach of Bristol City, where she led the club to its highest-ever WSL points total and an FA Cup final appearance. She later joined Chelsea as assistant coach, working within one of the most successful environments in women’s football.

Alongside her coaching career, Tanya has also worked as a pundit and co-commentator for BBC, Sky Sports and Optus Sport, including coverage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia. She is a psychology graduate and runs her own coaching business, focused on player and coach development.