Former Canada coach who spied on Football Ferns hired by Phoenix
Priestman's appointment to the role was announced by the club this morning, following her one-year ban for her involvement in the scandal, where staff from the Canadian team used drones to spy on New Zealand's training sessions.
'I'm thrilled to have signed with the Wellington Phoenix,' Priestman said. 'It's a fantastic club with big ambitions, world-class facilities and a phenomenal fan base. I can't wait to get to work, connect with everyone in the building and get to know our amazing fans.
'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."
As coach for Canada, Priestman guided the team to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, and a bronze at the Rio games in 2016.
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Phoenix Chairman Rob Morrison said: '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.
'This is a step up in an exciting era for the Phoenix women's team. Along with our significant ongoing investment in the women's academy programme, we have doubled our investment in the women's first team, and this has resulted in us being able to recruit some great international players."
Morrison said he understood Priestman's background would generate some interest. '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.'
Australian Professional Leagues executive chairman Stephen Conroy said Priestman's "experience and expertise will be a huge boost for the up-and-coming squad at the Phoenix".
Priestman headed up coach development in Wellington 16 years ago before moving on to be New Zealand Football's director of football development.
She said she hoped the team could "capture the imagination" of New Zealand's sporting public.
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'Sport has the ability to connect a country, not just in what you do, but more importantly, how you do it.
'There'll be a hunger and a desire there because we know we want to achieve a first for this club, and to do that is going to take something special."
The Phoenix women's team finished ninth in the Ninja A-League Women last season.
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