Scotland Lose Out To Arsenal

Last updated : 01 February 2013 By Ed_Scottishfitba

SFA new 2012Scotland Women’s Under-19 Coach Shelley Kerr has been appointed Manager of FA Women’s Super League champions Arsenal. In 2009 the SFA appointed the former Scotland defender as both Women’s Under-19 Coach and Technical & Development Programme Manager for Girls'/Women's Football. Kerr was successful in taking Scotland to the finals of the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship in Macedonia the following year. Kerr won her UEFA Pro Licence last month after two years of study, becoming the first woman, alongside Women’s National Coach Anna Signeul, to earn the prestigious coaching qualification in Scotland.
 
Kerr said: "
It was a difficult decision to leave my role at the Scottish FA, but while I am emotional about moving on, I am excited by the prospect of working with the leading women’s football club in the UK. It’s been a privilege and an honour to represent my country, first as a player, and then as a coach. I want to thank the Scottish FA for their support, and the opportunities they have given me to develop as a coach.  Above all I would like to thank the players that I have worked with over the past four years. As a coach, dealing with players who are receptive and eager to learn makes your job much easier, and I have enjoyed seeing them develop as elite athletes. Arsenal have been dominant in the women’s game in the UK for many years, so I have big shoes to fill, but I am sure that I can help to add to the club’s continued success."
 
Signeul said: "
First of all I would like to congratulate Shelley on her new role. She was a joy to work with as a player, and I’ve been just as impressed with her attributes as a coach. She has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and her development has been tremendous. “Shelley’s departure is a huge loss for the Scottish game, but of course we understand the lure of working with one of the top clubs in Europe. We wish her lots of success, and hope that she brings her expertise back to Scotland in the future."
 
SFA Performance Director, Mark Wotte, said: "
While we are disappointed to lose Shelley, we recognise that this is a fantastic opportunity. After gaining the UEFA Pro Licence qualification, this is the natural next step for her.  I know that Shelley will bring a lot of dedication, skill, and personality to the role of Head Coach at Arsenal, and she leaves with our best wishes."