Bev Priestman Returns to Coaching in New Zealand with Wellington Phoenix

 Photo:Reuters

Bev Priestman, a well-known name in women’s football coaching, has recently made a significant return to the game in New Zealand. After a challenging period away from football, she has embarked on a new coaching journey with Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand’s professional women’s soccer club. This moment is not just a fresh start for her but also a meaningful chapter in her journey as a passionate and talented football coach.

Early Life and Path to Coaching

Beverly Priestman was born in England in 1986. From a young age, she fell in love with football, playing futsal as a child under the guidance of John Herdman, a coach who would later become important in her career. Bev’s foundation in football was built through early coaching experiences alongside Herdman, which took her from England to New Zealand and beyond.

She attended Liverpool John Moores University and started her professional coaching career working with Everton, one of England’s biggest football clubs. Her dedication, energy, and knowledge quickly made her stand out as a coach destined for success.

Coaching Career Highlights

Bev Priestman’s coaching career has been nothing short of impressive. She has coached on three continents, reaching some of the highest levels in women's football. Early in her career, she took important roles with youth teams in Canada and England, helping develop young talent. She also held coaching and development positions in New Zealand, where she supported football growth for several years.

Her rise culminated when she was appointed the head coach of Canada’s women’s national team in October 2020. Under her leadership, Canada won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), a historic achievement for Canadian football. She also coached Canada's team during multiple Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games, earning respect worldwide for her tactical skills and leadership.

The Controversy and Suspension

However, Priestman’s successful coaching career faced a major setback in 2024. During the Paris Olympics, it was discovered that members of her coaching staff had used a drone to spy on New Zealand’s team during their training before a match. This incident led to an investigation by FIFA and Canada Soccer.

As a result, Bev Priestman was suspended for one year from all football-related activities. This suspension was challenging for her professionally and personally, as it cast a shadow over her achievements and forced a pause in her career at the highest level.

Returning to New Zealand: A Welcome Home

After serving her suspension, Bev Priestman has now returned to the football world with a new role. She signed a two-year contract with Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand’s only professional women's team, competing in the Australian A-League Women competition. This appointment is a strong statement by the club, showcasing their ambition to grow and compete at the highest level.

Priestman has a personal history with New Zealand football. Long before coaching Canada, she held roles in New Zealand’s football development programs, including heading football development for New Zealand Football. Her wife, Emma Humphries, is a former New Zealand international player and currently works as the academy director at Wellington Phoenix. This connection makes her return even more meaningful.

What This Means for Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand Football

Wellington Phoenix’s chairman, Rob Morrison, expressed great confidence in Priestman’s ability to lead the team to new heights. He emphasized that her return is part of the club’s bigger plan to invest and develop women’s football in the region.

With world-class facilities, a passionate fan base, and a strong desire to succeed, the Phoenix club sees Priestman’s appointment as a game-changer. She brings with her experience from the global stage and a winning mindset, essential for leading a team aiming for its first championship title in the A-League.

Stephen Conroy, chairman of the Australian Professional Leagues, welcomed Priestman warmly, saying her presence boosts the profile of the league and inspires young players aiming to reach professional levels.

Priestman's Own Words

Bev Priestman has expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to return to coaching with Wellington Phoenix. She stated that football is her passion, and after a difficult year away, she is eager to get back to work.

She believes sport connects communities and countries and hopes to bring special moments to New Zealand through the success of the Phoenix women’s team. Her goal is to create a team that inspires fans and achieves the club’s historic first championship win.

Looking Ahead

The journey ahead for Bev Priestman and Wellington Phoenix is full of promise and challenges. Her return to New Zealand football is a full-circle moment — coming back to a place where she first helped develop the sport, now leading a professional team with international aspirations.

For Priestman, this phase is about redemption, growth, and giving back to the sport that shaped her life. For New Zealand football fans, it is an exciting time to witness a world-class coach aiming to lift the game to new heights.