Stoney is the new head coach of Canada's women's national team, seven months after leaving the San Diego Wave
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Canada endured Olympic drone scandal last yearControversy led to firing of head coach PriestmanEx-Man Utd & San Diego Wave boss Stoney replaces herFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The role was vacant following Bev Priestman's dismissal in November, as a result of a drone scandal at the Olympic Games. One was spotted over a training session of New Zealand, Canada's first opponent of the tournament last summer, and investigations led to Priestman being suspended, the team being docked six points at the Games and, eventually, the head coach and two other members of staff, being fired for filming an opposition training session.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Canada have now filled the role on a permanent basis, with an impressive appointment in Stoney. After three strong years at Manchester United, the former England captain enjoyed an even more successful time in the NWSL with San Diego, leading the Wave to the playoffs in its inaugural season before winning the NWSL Shield and NWSL Challenge Cup in the following two years. That made her dismissal by the club in June quite a surprise, even though the team were enduring a rough patch of form.
WHAT STONEY SAID
"I am honoured to join Canada Soccer as the head coach of the women’s national team," Stoney said upon the announcement of her appointment. "Canada has a proud tradition in women’s football, and I am excited to work with such a talented group of players. Together with the federation’s new leadership, we will strive to build on past successes and continue to grow the sport in Canada on and off the field. I look forward to the journey ahead and to engaging with the incredible passion of Canadian soccer fans."
Kevin Blue, CEO and General Secretary of Canada Soccer, added: "We are thrilled to welcome Casey Stoney as head coach of the women’s national team. Casey’s track record of successful leadership, her values and strength of character, and her lifelong dedication to the advancement of women’s football make her the right person to lead our national team into its next chapter."
DID YOU KNOW?
As Canada looks to turn the page on a bad year for its women's soccer program, it will celebrate the establishment of its first professional league in April, the creation of which has been led by former national team star Diana Matheson. Speaking to INDIVISA about the launch of the Northern Super League, Matheson stressed the importance of support for the league from the new national team coach, and confidence in Blue to find someone who would lend that. She, and the whole league, will hope Stoney fits the bill.
