IFA looking for 'right leader' to replace Oxtoby

Tanya Oxtoby's final game as Northern Ireland manager was the Nations League play-off defeat by Iceland in November

The Irish Football Association says it has "started preparations" to recruit a new Northern Ireland women's senior manager to replace Tanya Oxtoby.

The Australian left her role in November after two years in charge to become head coach at WSL2 side Newcastle United.

Oxtoby's first game was in September 2023 as she replaced Kenny Shiels, who guided Northern Ireland to a first-ever major tournament at Euro 2022, as manager.

Angela Platt, director of women's football at the Irish FA, said it was important to find the "right leader" to take Northern Ireland forward.

"This is a key appointment for the future of women's football in Northern Ireland," Platt said in a short statement.

"We've made huge progress in recent years, and now we're focused on finding the right leader to take us even further.

"It's an exciting time for the game, and we look forward to welcoming someone who shares our passion and vision."

No timeframe has been put on announcing Oxtoby's successor, but Platt said the IFA looked forward to announcing the successful candidate "once the process is complete".

Northern Ireland, who are the only one of the home nations not to have at least one friendly scheduled in the current international window, are next in action in their opening 2027 World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Turkey at the start of March.