Stirling University coach Shelley lands job with the Scotland Women’s National team
After three years spent on the coaching fields at the University of Stirling Shelley Kerr has landed the top job in Scottish women’s football.
The 47-year-old will step down as the university’s first team coach at the end of the season before taking over from Anna Signeul in the Scotland hotseat this summer.
Shelley, who captained her country as a player, became the first ever female to coach a men’s senior football side in Britain when she joined the university three years ago.
During her time in charge she helped them reach a British Universities Championships Final for the first time as well as achieving consistent top five finishes in the lowland league.
And she insists she can’t wait to get started in her new role. Speaking to the SFA website, she said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to be named as coach of the Scotland Women’s National Team.
“As a young girl, and being extremely passionate about Scotland, it was my ambition to represent my country and now to get the opportunity to lead the women’s national team is a dream come true.
“Anna Signeul has done a fantastic job throughout her 12-years in the role and has really changed the perception of the girls’ and women’s game in Scotland.
“We have a great group of players and my goal is to continue the good work and sustain the level of success that the team has achieved in recent years.”
Shelley will begin her new job in June after the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 finals this summer but prior to that she will later this month attend the qualifying draw for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Switzerland along with SFA performance director Malky Mackay.
Mackay said: “Shelley was the outstanding candidate for the position. She has a wealth of experience in international football, in the club game and as the first female manager in British senior men’s football.
“She is a deep thinker of the game but also has a huge passion for football and that shone through during the interview process. She has an excellent knowledge of Scottish football and knows the strength and depth of the squad, so we are confident that she will hit the ground running.”
Earlier this year Shelley, who also previously managed Scotland Women’s under-19s and Arsenal Ladies, graduated with a Master’s degree in sports management from the university.
And she added: “Whilst I am looking forward to my new role with the SFA, I am extremely grateful to the University of Stirling for the opportunity to work in a fantastic setting with a group of hard-working, dedicated and talented footballers.
“I have taken great pride and enjoyment from the last three years – having watched the players grow, develop and mature into well-rounded individuals which, for me, is just as pleasing as winning any cup or trophy.
“The university has been instrumental in my development, both professionally and personally, and I’m particularly thankful for the support which allowed me to combine my coaching commitments with studying and graduating with an MSc in sport management.
“I have no doubt the academic education I received will be of great benefit in my new role as well as in the future and beyond.”
Raleigh Gowrie, sports performance manager at the university, added: “The national role is just reward for all her hard work over the years, both on the football pitch and in the library, and her appointment demonstrates the high regard in which she is held as a coach and person within Scottish football.
“Despite Shelley’s departure, we remain committed to offering football scholarships at the University and providing high standard training and competition.
“We will commence our search for a successor in due course but will take this time to review our overall strategy and ensure any appointment is made in line with our long-term ambitions.”