Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment to former Liverpool midfielder as first team coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Image Credits: Imago Images
Newcastle United Women have officially confirmed several additions to Tanya Oxtoby’s coaching staff ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Stuart McLaren joins the club as Assistant Manager, having previously worked with Oxtoby during her spells with Northern Ireland and Scotland, where he served as interim head coach in 2021.
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Charlie Cave has also arrived from Charlton Athletic as Assistant Head Coach. He previously supported Oxtoby during Northern Ireland international camps while working as an assistant coach.
Former Liverpool FC Women midfielder Rachel Furness is another new addition, joining the first-team setup as Assistant Coach after retiring at the end of the 2024-25 season. Furness had previously taken charge of Newcastle’s Under-16s before stepping up to the senior team.
The Sunderland-born midfielder left Liverpool by mutual consent in February 2023 after three seasons with the Reds, making 64 appearances and scoring 19 goals.
She was part of the Liverpool side that won the FA Women’s Championship title in 2021-22 and also became Northern Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Barry Richardson has been appointed Head of Goalkeeping after previous roles in the men’s game with clubs including Doncaster Rovers, Hull City and Nottingham Forest, while Stephen Brass remains as Goalkeeper Coach.
Newcastle United have also confirmed the departures of Claire Ditchburn and Luke Thomas-Arayo, thanking them for their contributions during their time at the club.
Tanya said: “I am really pleased to be adding Stuart and Charlie to the staffing group. They are familiar with my way of working and understand what a high performing environment entails and how to win.
“With the new season starting, now felt like the right time to bring them into our environment. Furney is someone that I coached during my time with Northern Ireland, and she has done a fantastic job with the Under-16s here at Newcastle. She is a talented coach, with a bright future, and of course brings that Geordie passion with her.
“Barry brings extensive experience with him having worked in the men’s game for a number of years. He joined us at the end of last season and has settled in well with the goalkeeper’s union, alongside Brassy. I would like to thank those that have departed for their efforts during their time at the club.”
Newcastle United Women can confirm a number of appointments to Tanya Oxtoby’s coaching staff ahead of the 2026/27 season. 📰👇
— Newcastle United Women (@NUFCWomen) July 20, 2026
Liverpool FC Women
Newcastle United Women
Rachel Furness