Newcastle United women have announced the appointment of Rachel Furness as the head coach for their under-16s women's team. The 37-year-old former Northern Ireland international, who retired from professional football in June, is set to bring her wealth of experience to the role.

Furness, who spent her final playing season with Newcastle United, has had a distinguished career that included stints with Sunderland, Reading, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Bristol City. Her international career was equally impressive, earning 95 caps and scoring a record 38 goals for Northern Ireland. She played a pivotal role in helping Northern Ireland qualify for the Euro 2022 finals, marking the country's first appearance in a major women's tournament.

Having completed her UEFA B license during her playing career, Furness is now working towards her A license, furthering her coaching credentials. This season, the Newcastle U16s will operate as a professional game academy (PGA) for the first time, providing an excellent platform for young talent to develop.

Expressing her excitement, Furness said, "I'm delighted to be starting my coaching career at my childhood club. I loved playing here, and now is my chance to give back to the younger players and inspire them. To be involved at a club like this gives me a great opportunity to continue to learn and develop as a coach."

This appointment marks a new chapter for Furness, who is eager to make a significant impact in her coaching role and contribute to the growth of women's football at Newcastle United.