30-07-2025
'I didn't leave my house for a month': New Phoenix coach after drone spying scandal
New Wellington Phoenix Women's Coach Bev Priestman
Photo:
Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT
New Wellington Phoenix women's coach Bev Priestman says she didn't feel safe in Canada and has found a haven in New Zealand.
Priestman was on Wednesday
confirmed as the Phoenix coach
for the next two A-League seasons.
She was dumped as head coach of the Canada women's team and banned for a year from football following the
drone scandal
at last year's Paris Olympics when the Canadians were caught spying on the Football Ferns.
Priestman said she regrets what happened.
"I'm a very optimistic person and there have been days over the last 12 months where that optimism has been very difficult and I know I have to earn the trust over everybody and I'll be working hard to do that."
Priestman and her family moved back to New Zealand last year. Her wife played for New Zealand and her son is a Kiwi.
While she acknowledged she had to live with what happened, they had no hesitation in leaving Canada.
"I didn't leave my house for a month.
"I didn't feel safe, it was very difficult for my family, but I have to wear that.
"It was a media frenzy with people knocking on your door, we knew we had to get out of that country and focus on family."
Priestman spent 10 years in New Zealand early in her coaching career before heading to North America.
On returning to New Zealand she and her family spent the first few months in North Canterbury before heading to Wellington.
It was not until the New Year that she started thinking about football again but said her experience in Paris had changed her.
"When you've been through something (like that) it does have an impact and for me I am a more well-rounded coach and when I'm working with players I think I'll have a greater empathy for people who have had situations in their life."
Phoenix Director of Football Shaun Gill and Phoenix Women's Coach Bev Priestman.
Photo:
Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT
Priestman has been delighted with the reaction she has got since her return.
"People know my character, things happen in life and not everyone is perfect and I'll reflect and grow on that.
"To get phone calls from current and former Football Ferns and welcome me with open arms that is really special and why I love New Zealand."
For now it is about building trust.
"I was so excited (with Wednesday's announcement), but also a little bit traumatized from the media side of things.
"I tried to stay out of the spotlight but now I'm back in it, but I can't wait to get back to work."
Like most things in life Priestman said she had learnt from what she had gone through over the last year.
"When you've been through something like that it's important to reflect and grow and now I'm ready.
"Now I feel ready, I've got that itch and today feels like Christmas for me."
The A-League women's season kicks off in late October.
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