Aussie Tanya Oxtoby joins FA WSL champions Chelsea WFC

Australian coach  Tanya Oxtoby has joined Sam Kerr at FA WSL champions Chelsea WFC. 

On the eve of the commencement of the 2021/22 FA Women's Super League season, defending champions Chelsea WFC have added another Australian to their ranks with Tanya Oxtoby joining as an Assistant Coach to Emma Hayes.  

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A UEFA A-Licence coach, Oxtoby will join UEFA Coach of the Year nominee  Hayes' coaching staff ahead of their title defence commencing against Arsenal WFC on 5 September.  

Oxtoby comes with a wealth of experience, on and off the pitch.  As player she led Perth Glory for several seasons in the W-League, as well as spending time in England with the Doncaster Rovers Belles.  

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After retiring, her managerial career saw time as an assistant with Perth Glory before finding her way to England with Birmingham City, and three and a half years as Bristol City team manager.  

"To be joining such an illustrious team of players and staff is a true honour," said Oxtoby. 

I always said it would take something special for me to end my maternity leave early, and when this opportunity arose, and after to speaking to Emma and Paul, it felt like the ideal move for me."

Hayes and Chelsea WFC have been the standard bearers in the FA Women's Super League for the past two seasons claiming the 2019/20 and 2020/21 titles, as well as the Women's FA Community Shield, FA Women's League Cup and runners up in the UEFA Women's Champions League.  

One of the WSL title favourites, the Blues boast a wealth of talent including Commonwealth Bank Matildas captain Kerr, Kerr's strike partner Fran Kirby, Swedish star defender Magdalena Eriksson and Danish captain Pernille Harder, just to name a few.  

"I’m looking forward to working not only with world-class players, but the amazingly talented staff at the club and being able to contribute to further success." 


Chelsea WFC general manager Paul Green believes, with her knowledge and experience,  Oxtoby will be a welcome addition to a very accomplished team. 

"We are pleased to add Tanya to our coaching team. She is a coach with considerable experience in the WSL and a good track record of developing players," said Green.

“We feel that she will add another dimension to our talented group, both on and off the pitch, that will impact the team."