Furness named Newcastle under-16s women's head coach

Rachel Furness played her final season of club football with Newcastle United

Newcastle United women have appointed former Northern Ireland international Rachel Furness as their under-16s head coach.

The 37-year-old announced her retirement from professional football in June after spending last season with the Magpies.

Her playing career also included spells with Sunderland, Reading, Tottenham, Liverpool and Bristol City.

After making her international debut in 2005, the midfielder won 95 caps and scored a record 38 goals for Northern Ireland.

She played a key role in NI's qualification for the Euro 2022 finals, the first time the country participated in a major women's tournament.

Furness completed her Uefa B license course during her playing career, and she is now working towards her A license.

This season will see the Newcastle U16s operate as a professional game academy [PGA] for the first time.

Furness told the Newcastle United FC website: "I'm delighted to be starting my coaching career at my childhood club. I loved playing here and now is my chance to give back to the younger players and inspire them.

"To be involved at a club like this gives me a great opportunity to continue to learn and develop as a coach."