Bristol City manager Tanya Oxtoby will not be returning to work following her maternity leave after opting to step down from her position according to reports on The Robins’ official website.
The 39-year-old Australian coach went on maternity leave in January. She was initially due back to work ahead of this season but Oxtoby opted to take a further 12 months maternity leave.
Bristol City recently appointed Lauren Smith as their interim head coach on a 12-month basis to cover Oxtoby’s extended absence from role but it has now been revealed that she has opted to move on.
Speaking after making her decision, Oxtoby said “The last three years have been an amazing journey, full of highs and lows, with so many lessons learnt along the way. However, this feels like the right time to part ways with the club, as we both start new chapters.
“To every board member, staff member and player who came through the door during my time, thank you.
“You have all made me a better manager, coach, leader and more importantly a better person. To our die-hard supporters, thank you for always sticking by us through thick and thin, your support has and will always be the backbone of this club.
“I wish the club every success in the future, and, for one last time, COYR.”
Oxtoby was appointed Bristol City manager in summer 2018 after a period working as an assistant manager at Birmingham City. She guided the club to a sixth-place finish in her first campaign in charge before The Robins avoided relegation at the end of the curtailed 2019/2020 campaign on a points per game basis.
Last season was Oxtoby’s toughest with Bristol City being glued to the bottom of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League table. Results improved in early 2021 as Matt Beard came in to cover Oxtoby’s initial maternity leave but the club dropped through the relegation trapdoor.
Interim head coach Smith could now be appointed into her position on a permanent basis, however, the club are yet to confirm whether this will be the case.