January 14 – Emma Hayes and Casey Stoney used to be rooting for their native country.
Now the two Brits find themselves in opposition on the other side of the Atlantic after Stoney was appointed head coach of the Canadian national women’s team – just over a year after Hayes took charge of the USA side.
The former England captain was appointed on a three-year deal that runs through the next Women’s World Cup, with an option to extend. Her first role will be a three-match series in February at the Pinatar Cup in Spain.
Canada had been looking for a replacement since another English coach, Bev Priestman, lost her job following the notorious Olympic Games drone scandal.
“I am honoured to join Canada Soccer,” Stoney said. “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.”
Stoney, who was sacked by National Women’s Soccer League side San Diego Wave in June, previously led Manchester United to Women’s Super League promotion and two successive fourth-place finishes in England’s top tier.
As a player, she lifted 12 major trophies during her time at Chelsea, Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Lincoln Ladies and Liverpool.
She won 130 England caps and skippered her country, appearing in three World Cups. She also captained Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics.
Kevin Blue, CEO of Canada Soccer, commented: “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.”
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