Canada name Englishman and Newcastle fan John Herdman as boss of the men’s national side… taking him from women’s team
County Durham-born 42-year-old switches roles following a successful six-year reign in charge of the country's women
CANADA have appointed Englishman John Herdman as their new national men's boss - taking him from their women's side.
The 42-year-old's switch was confirmed today by Soccer Canada, bringing to an end his successful time in charge of the females.
Herdman, from County Durham, has also been given the role of men's national director.
He will now have responsibility for all the age groups from under-14s upwards.
The Newcastle United supporter said: "It's a great honour to join the men's national team programme and I want to thank Canada Soccer for this opportunity to grow and develop the sport in this country through a one country, one system approach.
"Working with Canada Soccer's women's programme, and the remarkable players and staff who have made the past six years so incredible has been an absolute privilege."
Herdman guided the North American nation's women to Olympic bronze at both London 2012 and Rio 2016 and to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2015 on home soil, England ending their hosts of glory.
The FA were keen on making him the new manager of the Lionesses following Mark Sampson's sensational axing, but the ex-New Zealand boss turned down their advances.
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Now Herdman has secured his first high-profile coaching role within the men's game as he takes over from Octavio Zambrano.
Canada are currently ranked 94th in the Fifa world rankings.
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They have not qualified for a World Cup since 1986 and will miss out again this summer in Russia.
But reaching the showpiece is Herdman's No1 aim after his taking up his new role.
He added: "In taking on the roles of men's programme director and men's national team head coach, I am keen to put a lasting mark on a programme full of potential as we work towards the ultimate goal of representing Canada on the world's biggest stage at the FIFA World Cup."
Kenneth Heiner-Moller will take over the women's side, having worked previously with Herdman.
Canada Soccer general secretary Peter Montopoli said: "It is easy to point to John's record with Canada to demonstrate his effectiveness as a high-performance coach, in earning back-to-back Summer Olympic medals he's achieved in team sport something no other coach in Canada has done in over 100 years.
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"What makes him exemplary though, is his work ethic, his passion, his preparation and his attention to detail.
"We are looking forward to John bringing his expertise to our men's national team programme."
Herdman, born in Consett, did not play professionally but began coaching within the New Zealand women's set-up in 2003 before getting the top job in 2006.