Bev Priestman has been appointed as the new head coach of Canada's women's national team.

Well known to Canadian players and fans from her time as John Herdman's No2, Priestman leaves her position as coach of England's U-18 side to succeed Kenneth Heiner-Moller in her most senior role to date.

She had previously served as Phil Neville's assistant at last year's FIFA Women's World Cup™ and had been Canada Soccer's National Youth Head Coach and Program Director before returning to her native England in 2018.

Priestman, who will take up her new position on 1 November, said today: “When the opportunity to lead Canada Women was on the table, I knew immediately it was something I had to do. To have the chance to return and work with some great people and lead a senior national team into two Olympic Games and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 fulfils so many of my professional goals.

“It is an honour and privilege to return to Canada to lead such a talented group of players and a team with a fantastic history. With a great blend of experience and youth, I’m excited as to what we can achieve together over the next quadrennial. I would like to thank Canada Soccer for this fantastic opportunity.

"Our immediate focus is the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 next year and then subsequently building towards the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, where ultimately Canada should be on that podium. I look forward to connecting with the great group of staff and players ready to head into the Olympic year of 2021 focused and ready to give it our all.”

Priestman was inspired by Herdman to take up coaching in her teens and took her first steps in the profession with Everton and The FA. She then joined her mentor in New Zealand, where she rose to become the Football Ferns’ head of football development, before following Herdman to Canada.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bev Priestman back to Canada Soccer as our Women’s National Team Head Coach,” said Steve Reed, Canada Soccer President.

“Bev’s contributions leading the Women’s National EXCEL Program and supporting the women’s national team as an assistant coach during her five years with Canada Soccer set a solid foundation for success across all levels of the Women’s National Team Program and we are excited to have her bring her recent experience, vision and leadership to her new role.”