Home Sports Formerly Banned Ex-Canada Coach Hired by Wellington After Spying on New Zealand at World Cup

Formerly Banned Ex-Canada Coach Hired by Wellington After Spying on New Zealand at World Cup

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Bev Priestman has been appointed as the new head coach of the Wellington Phoenix women’s team, following a year-long suspension for an incident involving spying on the Football Ferns during the Tokyo Olympics. The appointment comes after Priestman gained notoriety for leading Canada to an Olympic gold medal but later faced backlash after a drone incident that violated FIFA regulations, resulting in both her suspension and a points deduction for Canada.

Now, Priestman returns to New Zealand, where she hopes to rebuild her coaching career. She is the fourth head coach for the Phoenix in five years, yet her extensive credentials may bring hope for the club’s first major trophy. Priestman has signed on with the Phoenix for two seasons and expressed her eagerness to earn the trust of the players and staff.

The Phoenix are looking to rejuvenate their squad and have made several notable signings, including players like Vic Esson, who joined from Scottish side Rangers. They finished ninth last season and aim for a stronger performance under Priestman’s leadership.

Reflecting on her past year, she described a difficult time exacerbated by media scrutiny in Canada, leading her to feel unsafe. Since moving to Wellington, she returned to coaching in a casual setting, helping her son’s under-seven football team while awaiting her chance to coach professionally again. Priestman is keen to focus on the future and is determined to create a positive impact on the Phoenix.

The club’s chairman, Rob Morrison, emphasised that appointing a world-class coach like Priestman is a significant indicator of their ambition in women’s football, aligning with broader goals for the development of the game in Australasia. As the new season approaches, Priestman aims to lead the Phoenix to success in the A-League Women, starting in late October.

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