Newcastle United Women Aim for WSL Readiness Under New Director Grace Williams

Newcastle United Women are undergoing a significant transformation as they strive to become a competitive force in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Appointed in August 2025, Director of Women’s Football Grace Williams believes the club cannot wait around for promotion before behaving like a top-flight outfit. Her arrival coincides with a period of strategic investment and restructuring within the club’s women’s program.

Building a Championship-Caliber Infrastructure

Williams emphasizes the development of comprehensive departments within the club, moving beyond basic staffing to include specialized teams. “The best way to explain it is the different departments that we’ve developed,” Williams says. “It’s not just a medical person and a coach. We’ve got a medical department, a head of performance and then there is social media, marketing, sports psychology, nutrition…” These additions aim to provide a holistic support system for the players and staff.

Managerial Change and a Focus on WSL Experience

In October 2025, Newcastle United made the difficult decision to part ways with manager Becky Langley, who had successfully led the club through successive promotions from the fourth tier to the second. Williams acknowledged Langley’s contributions, stating, “Big respect and thanks to Becky for where she got the club to. She should be really proud of what she achieved.”

The club then appointed Tanya Oxtoby as the new manager, seeking experience at the highest level. “For me, it was looking at what we can do to take it to that next level,” Williams explained. “We wanted to be able to bring someone in that’s experienced the top. Tanya brings everything that we wanted on and off the pitch.”

Oxtoby, formerly an assistant coach at Chelsea, is fully committed to preparing the team for the WSL. “The biggest thing when I took this job was to try and get us WSL-ready,” Oxtoby told BBC Sport. “Since the moment I’ve walked in through the door, I’ve tried to challenge the processes and the way in which we work.”

Ambitious Goals and a Long-Term Vision

Newcastle United’s ambition is clear: to reach the WSL and compete at the highest level. Oxtoby believes the club is well-positioned to achieve this goal, regardless of the timeline. “The club is ambitious – we don’t shy away from that. And whether promotion happens this season, or happens next season, our destiny is in our own hands, which is great, because this league is so competitive.”

Addressing Concerns and Embracing Values

Oxtoby addressed potential concerns regarding the club’s ownership and the broader issue of sportswashing, stating that her decision to join Newcastle was based on the club’s ambition and values. “There was real alignment,” she said.

Grace Williams’ Background

Grace Williams joined Newcastle United Women from Crystal Palace, where she served as Head of Women’s Football since May 2023. During her time at Crystal Palace, she helped the Eagles achieve promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League for the first time. Newcastle United announced her appointment on August 19, 2025. Prior to Crystal Palace, Williams held positions at Watford Women, FA Wales, and Bristol City Women.

Crystal Palace Women currently compete in the Women’s Super League 2, playing their home matches at the VBS Community Stadium in Sutton, South London, and occasionally at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace F.C. Women was formed in 1992 and has steadily risen through the English football pyramid.