Oxtoby back with the Glory
Almost three years after she left WA to further her playing and coaching career in England, Tanya Oxtoby will return to Perth Glory for the 2014 Westfield W-League season.
Oxtoby, who spent four seasons playing for Glory from the 2008-09 season, will rejoin the club as assistant coach to Jamie Harnwell, who has welcomed the opportunity to reconnect with an important figure in the club’s history.
“It’s so important to reward those people who have shown a long commitment to football in this state, and Perth Glory in particular, and as an ex-captain Tanya fits the bill perfectly,” Harnwell said.
“She gave everything as a player and I’m sure she’ll come back ready to give her all in a coaching capacity.
“Since leaving Perth she’s played for Doncaster Rovers in the UK and she’s been coaching with Notts County and Nottingham Forest, so she comes back to us with good experience. Between us and the players, we’ll all be working hard to get the club back into the W-League finals this season.”
Oxtoby, who is a Football Federation Australia B Licence coach, will return to Perth next month after completing her club commitments in the UK.
“It's an honour to come back to the club I captained and have always felt so passionate about,” said Oxtoby, who was twice named Most Glorious Player during her W-League playing career. “I can’t wait to get started in a coaching role alongside Jamie.
“I said when I left to go to England two and a half years ago I wanted to go and experience playing at the highest level overseas and develop and grow as both a player and a coach. I’ve learnt so much in the UK and I can’t wait to give something back to the club I love.”
Perth Glory Women will kick-off the new season on the weekend of September 13. Fixtures will be released soon.
