Northern Ireland adds new coach to staff ahead of Nations League playoffs | OneFootball

Northern Ireland have appointed Laura Heffernan as a new assistant manager

Northern Ireland has added another coach to their staff with a UEFA Women’s Nations League play-off game coming up.

Tanya Oxtoby has been manager of Northern Ireland since 2023.

After two years in her role, Oxtoby has decided to add a new coach to her staff ahead of October’s international break.

Northern Ireland announced the arrival of Laura Heffernan this week. The vastly experienced coach sure to bring plenty of new ideas to the international team.

“It is a privilege to be joining the Northern Ireland senior women’s team set-up.” Heffernan said. “The opportunity to work with Tanya, the staff and such a talented group of players was one I was delighted to accept.”

“I can already see the brilliant work being done by everyone involved to develop and grow the game and I am looking forward to contributing in any way I can.”

Heffernan’s new role will be completed alongside her domestic duties for Irish club, Dun Laoghaire–Rathdown.

Tanya Oxtoby welcomes new coach

Northern Ireland boss Oxtoby said: “We are really excited to have Laura join our technical team for this upcoming window.

“She has a wealth of experience across the women’s game, and she will add a lot of value to our staff team moving forward.”

What next for Northern Ireland?

The arrival of Heffernan comes at a crucial time for Northern Ireland.

After finishing second in their Nations League group, Oxtoby’s team will compete in an all-important playoff game next month.

Should Northern Ireland win against Iceland, they would be promoted to League A in the competition.

Iceland will travel to Ballymena Showgrounds on October 24th. The second leg takes place just four days later at Laugardalsvöllur in Iceland.