Phoenix Women hire controversial coach
- Dave Worsley
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 30
The former head coach of Canada's women’s football team, who was banned for her role in the drone spying scandal at the Paris Olympics, has been confirmed as coach of the Wellington Phoenix Women.
Highly-experienced Bev Priestman, who also guided Canada to Olympic glory in Tokyo, has signed a two-year deal.
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She replaces Paul Temple, who left following the conclusion of the last A-League Women’s season where the side missed the playoffs.
Priestman recently finished serving a one-year ban from any football-related activity after FIFA suspended her following an investigation revealing that she, along with other coaching staff, used a drone to spy on New Zealand's training session at the Olympics.
After an independent review of the incident by Canada Soccer, Priestman was permanently stood down from the head coaching role.
Phoenix chairman Rob Morrison said the club was thrilled to have made a signing of Priestman's calibre, but recognised the issue from last year.
"We're really pleased to be able to welcome Bev back to football," Morrison said. "We all know she's had a period of time away from the game, but we understand the circumstances and we're really comfortable with this appointment.
"Bev can't wait to get started and we're really happy that she's going to be coaching the Phoenix."
Priestman had previously worked as head of football with New Zealand Football and mentored current Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne.
In total, Priestman has coached at four FIFA Women's World Cups, three Olympic Games and three FIFA age-group World Cups.
She has twice been shortlisted for the Best FIFA Women's Coach award and holds the world's most prestigious coaching qualification, the UEFA pro licence.
"Bev is a world class coach and a top person, and I have no doubt she will bring her winning mentality to the Wellington Phoenix," said Morrison.
Priestman said she is grateful for the opportunity and happy to return 'home'.
"Huge thanks to Rob, Shaun Gill (director of football) and David Dome (general manager) for giving me this chance to come back to the game I love and hopefully bring some special moments to not only this city, but this country," Priestman said.
"Coming back to New Zealand and seeing the Phoenix week in week out as the only professional women's team has been amazing. We have a responsibility now to fly the flag for this country and try to do something special.
"On the pitch I want to see players express themselves and be brave. I want players to take risks, play forward, excite the fans and get them out of their seats."
Morrison said the signing of Priestman is a big move for the club getting the structure right and giving women's football a boost.
"Securing Bev as head coach speaks to the ambition we have for this team.
"Signing one of the world's best coaches is a statement for the club, but it is also a statement for the A-League, reflecting the ambition and investment from APL for the development of the women's game in Australasia."
Sixteen years ago, Priestman was in charge of coach development in Wellington. She then went on to be New Zealand Football's director of football development and played a pivotal role in the award-winning Whole of Football Plan.
