Tanya Oxtoby has urged Newcastle players to “embrace the chaos” ahead of her first game in charge of the Magpies.
Her improving Newcastle side host Southampton in a 7.30pm kick-off on Monday night.
Oxtoby took the position after two years in charge of the Northern Ireland international team. She previously held roles as Emma Hayes’ assistant at Chelsea and as the head coach of Bristol City.
Last month, Oxtoby said she was “privileged” to join the club in her first interview following her arrival.
On Thursday, she spoke to the media ahead of Newcastle’s WSL 2 clash with Southampton.
What did Tanya Oxtoby say ahead of her first Newcastle game?
During her pre-match press conference, Tanya Oxtoby revealed what her message to Newcastle players has been, ahead of her first game in charge.
She said: “My main message has been to be brave but also be forward-thinking and embrace the chaos, because football isn’t pretty all the time.
“Anyone who knows me and knows the way I like to coach, I like to challenge the players in that way, and we’ve started that process over the last couple of sessions. I think the players are really embracing it, enjoying it, and we’ve seen improvement already.”
Oxtoby added that she hopes to give Newcastle fans “something to cheer about” this season, as they seek promotion to the top-flight.
The Australian is also glad to be back in club management after two years in the Northern Ireland job.
She said: “I’ve missed being on the grass with the players every day, and I think from my perspective, it’s the one thing that gives me the biggest smile and buzz.”
"We want to be brave!" 👊
Tanya Oxtoby speaks ahead of her first game in charge of the Magpies this Monday 📺👇
— Newcastle United Women (@NUFCWomen) December 4, 2025
Newcastle showing improvement in WSL 2
Newcastle made a slow start to the season, which led to the exit of Becky Langley.
The Magpies were ninth after six games, with only one league win during that time.
Under interim head coach Claire Ditchburn, Newcastle took seven points from a possible nine, beating rivals Sunderland 3-1, Ipswich 4-1, and drawing 1-1 with Durham.
This has left them fourth in the standings on 13 points, six points off automatic promotion.
The appointment of Oxtoby has excited Newcastle players, with Amelia Freeman stating she wants to impress the new head coach.
With the WSL’s expansion to 14 teams next season, the top two sides will be automatically promoted, which, as things stand, would be Charlton and Birmingham City.
The team in third, currently Bristol City, would face a playoff with the side that finishes bottom of the WSL to determine the final team in the top flight.
