Tanya Oxtoby

Tanya Oxtoby, born in Wickham, Western Australia, is a distinguished football coach and former professional player, currently serving as the manager of the Northern Ireland women's national team. ​

Tanya’s football journey began at the age of eight in her hometown, where she played in a team coached by her father. She progressed through the ranks, playing as a centre-back for clubs such as Northern Redbacks, Northern NSW Pride, Western Waves—where she also served as captain—and Perth Glory in Australia's W-League. In February 2012, she signed with Doncaster Rovers Belles in the FA WSL and later that year joined Everton, where she concluded her playing career.  

Transitioning into coaching, Tanya's career has been both diverse and impactful:

• Nottingham Forest Ladies (2012–2014): While still playing for Doncaster, she took on the role of manager for Nottingham Forest Ladies.

• Perth Glory Women (Assistant Coach, 2014–2015): Returning to Australia, she served as assistant coach, contributing to the team's success in securing the Premiers Plate and reaching their first Grand Final. ​

• Australia U20 (Assistant Coach, 2014–2016): Tanya expanded her coaching repertoire by working with the national U20 team, focusing on player development and tactical analysis. ​

• Notts County Ladies (2016): She held dual roles as Head Coach and Director of Development, overseeing the club's developmental pathways. ​

• Birmingham City Women (Assistant Coach, 2016–2018): Her tenure here further solidified her coaching credentials within the Women's Super League (WSL). ​

• Bristol City Women (Manager, 2018–2021): As manager, she led the team to their highest-ever points tally in her first season and guided them to the FA Women's Continental League Cup final in 2021. ​

• Chelsea Women (Assistant Coach, 2021–2023): Tanya contributed to the team's strategic and player development initiatives, working under esteemed manager Emma Hayes. ​

• Northern Ireland Women's National Team (Manager, 2023–Present):Appointed in September 2023, she is focused on balancing team transition with achieving competitive results, aiming to build a sustainable and successful future for the team. ​

Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Tanya is a UEFA Pro Licence coach and holds a degree in psychology, underscoring her commitment to the mental aspects of athletic performance. She is also the owner and director of Tanya Oxtoby Football Coaching, where she mentors female footballers and coaches. In December 2020, she announced her pregnancy and has since been an advocate for creating supportive environments that balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being.

Tanya Oxtoby's career reflects a profound dedication to football, characterised by her seamless transition from player to coach and her ongoing commitment to fostering growth and excellence within the sport.

Tanya worked as one of the lead pundits for Optus Sport at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia. On her days off Tanya can be found hunting for good coffee, playing in the garden with her little boy Albie or reading him The Hungry Caterpillar.