Pellerud reappointed by Norway

Even Pellerud, who led Norway to victory at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup, has been reappointed as coach in time for UEFA Women's EURO 2013.

The 59-year-old has signed a deal running until after the 2016 Olympics, replacing Eli Landsem, whose contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of December. Pellerud was previously Norway coach from 1989 to 1996; as well as lifting the World Cup, he oversaw the team's victory at the 1993 UEFA European Women's Championship – the last time Germany did not claim the title – and won 1996 Olympic bronze.

Pellerud, who has coached men's clubs Lillestrøm SK and Ikast FS and the national women's teams of Canada and Trinidad & Tobago since his first spell at the helm, said: "I feel honoured to be asked to lead the Norwegian women's national team again. It was an easy task to accept the job, and I am proud and motivated to spearhead efforts to bring the women's team up to top international level again. Players, coaches and managers have a big job to do, but the route to the top is definitely navigable."

Football Association of Norway (NFF) technical director Nils Johan Semb added: "Pellerud has gained valuable international experience in Canada and Trinidad & Tobago since his last tenure, and he has shown he is able to get results. We hope he will bring us success in Sweden next year."

The new man will take charge for the first time in January when Norway face his former employers Canada, plus South Korea and hosts China in a friendly tournament. At UEFA Women's EURO 2013 in Sweden, Norway begin their Group B campaign against Iceland on 11 July in Kalmar, where they go on to meet the Netherlands and holders Germany.