The appointment of former England captain Casey Stoney as the new head coach of the Canadian women’s national team is a historic step for Canadian soccer. The announcement ushers in a new era for Stoney and the team as they look for stability after a turbulent time.
Stoney, 42, has a history of success both on and off the field. He most recently managed the San Diego Wave. She led the NWSL expansion squad to incredible heights after joining them in 2021, and in 2022, she was named the league’s Coach of the Year. She was fired last June after a protracted seven-game losing run, though, so her time in San Diego wasn’t without its difficulties.
Stoney is a seasoned player with a stellar playing record, having captained Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics and amassed 130 caps for England. After retiring in 2018, she joined Phil Neville’s staff with the England women’s team, marking the beginning of her shift to coaching. Her pedigree in the sport is undeniable, having played defender for teams like Arsenal, Charlton, Chelsea, Lincoln, and Liverpool.
The Canadian team has been led by assistant coach Jasmine Mander since Bev Priestman left due to the drone-spying scandal during the summer Olympics in Paris, and this coaching appointment comes at a crucial moment for the team. Priestman, Mander, and commentator Joey Lombardi were all banned from FIFA for a year as a result of the event, and the Canadian team was forced to find new leadership.
Stoney has agreed to a three-year contract with Canada Soccer, which contains an option that may keep her there until 2028 and runs through the next World Cup. Her first assignment will be to lead the team in a three-match series in Spain in February at the Pinatar Cup, where she will start her career with the sixth-ranked Canadian women.
