All change: Kerr says time was right to go
Shelley Kerr believes the timing was right for her to step down as Scotland Women's coach after the SFA confirmed her departure on Chrismas Eve.
Defeat by Finland earlier this month ended Scotland’s hopes of reaching Euro 2021 and Kerr said: "I’ve l ived and breathed the sport for as long as I can remember, so I know in my heart the time is right for a new head coach to take the team forward to the next campaign."
Kerr took charge in August 2017 and led Scotland to their first World Cup finals.
Shelley Kerr stepped down as Scotland Women's head coach to allow her successor time to prepare for the World Cup qualifying campaign.
The decision was reached following talks with the Scottish Football Association after defeat by Finland earlier this month ended hopes of reaching the Euro 2021 finals. Kerr said: "I know the timing i s right for me to look ahead to the next chapter, to face new challenges and to create and enjoy more amazing experiences on my journey."
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell added: "This Uefa Euro qualifying campaign ended sooner than we anticipated and we both felt it was the right time for the national team to regroup in time for the World Cup qualifiers, and for Shelley to fulfil her career ambitions with a fresh challenge."
Kerr took charge in August 2017 and led Scotland to their first World Cup finals. But the group campaign ended i n heartache as her team let slip a 3- 0 lead in the final 20 minutes against Argentina, who levelled in the closing moments after a retaken penalty to eliminate the Scots.
A post- tournament analysis ended in acrimony but Scotland regrouped with Kerr in charge ahead of the European qualifiers and they scored 16 goals in their first three games, but they then suffered three consecutive 1- 0 defeats. Kerr said: "Naturally, I am deeply disappointed that we failed to qualify in our recent Uefa Euro qualifying campaign. I’ve lived and breathed the sport for as long as I can remember, so I know in my heart the time is right for a new head coach to take the team forward to the next campaign.”