Shelley Kerr steps down as Scotland Women coach after Euros dismay
Shelley Kerr has stepped down as the Scotland Women head coach after defeat by Finland this month ended their hopes of reaching the Euro 2022 finals.
“I know the timing is 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,” she said in a statement.
The Scottish Football Association chief executive, Ian Maxwell, said: “This 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, a former Scotland international, took the post in April 2017 and led her country to their first World Cup finals. Her previous jobs as a manager include spells with Arsenal and Stirling University.
“I am deeply disappointed that we failed to qualify in our recent Euro qualifying campaign,” Kerr said. “There were huge expectations surrounding the whole team, based on our recent successes, but I couldn’t be prouder than to have led the team – as well as the team behind the team – to the
Women’s World Cup.
“I thank the Scottish FA and all who supported me in fulfilling my dream of leading our country to the World Cup finals for the first time. I am privileged to have played a part in such a historical moment in Scottish football. That is something that will live with me forever.”