Newcastle appoint former Chelsea coach as Aussie joins push for the WSL
Just a couple of days after news broke that Newcastle were in talks to appoint Northern Ireland boss Tanya Oxtoby as the new Manager of their Women’s team, the club have officially announced her appointment on Tyneside.
Oxtoby has signed a long-term contract until June 2029, which seems to reflect the faith that the Newcastle hierarchy have in her being the one to take this NUFC Project forward after Becky Langley's dismissal.
The recruitment process was led by Director of Women's Football Grace Williams, and involving CEO David Hopkinson, Sporting Director Ross Wilson, Head of Football Strategy Jack Ross and Director of Performance James Bunce.
A recruitment panel right at the top of the NUFC echelon and one that shows Newcastle are still committed to moving the Women’s team towards their goal of becoming an established top-flight WSL side.
On her appointment, Oxtoby had this to say when speaking to the club's official website:
"I am excited and honoured. 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."My job is to come in and develop players and take us to the next level. I want to help everyone reach their potential and take them on a journey that will be really successful.
"The ambition that the club shows and my own ambition, they align and we are wanting to be successful and that's the responsibility I carry."
Meanwhile the Director of Woman’s football Grace Williams confirming the appointment made it very clear that the Club have the Manager they wanted.
"We are delighted to welcome Tanya to the club. She brings with her a great amount of experience and it was clear throughout the process that she matches the drive and ambition that we have to take Newcastle United Women forward."Tanya knows our team and the quality that it has within it, and she is excited to work with and develop our players as we move into the next part of our journey.
"As a leadership team, we were all impressed with Tanya and believe she is the perfect fit to help us embed the long-term strategy that will allow us to thrive beyond this season."
It’s a big moment for Williams in particular. One of her first actions was being part of the decision that saw Becky Langley leave the role and now she’s been involved in this new appointment.
Williams certainly making her mark following on in her role after the retirement of the previous incumbent Su Cumming who helped guide the Club and Langley through the promotions that got United to the WSL2.
It is a very interesting and intriguing appointment. With the backing of The PIF many a supporter and pundit were perhaps expecting a more high-profile appointment. However, it must be remembered that this is only Newcastle’s second season in WSL2.
They are striving to be come one of the top teams in Women’s football. It’s clear that they still have a way to go. Appointing Oxtoby is another stepping stone in that process and she should be given every chance to make her mark.
She may not have been the people’s choice but she seems like a very go-ahead character and does come with a CV that boasts roles at a higher level than both Becky Langley and NUFC have yet to perform at.
She should know what it takes to get to that next level. Oxtoby will attend Newcastle’s home League Cup clash at the Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday afternoon to oversee her new side.
Claire Ditchburn though will still take charge of the side tomorrow meaning Oxtoby’s first game in the hot seat will not come until Monday December 8th when Southampton come north for a WSL2 League game at The GIS.
