SCOTLAND’S record goal scorer Julie Fleeting believes Shelley Kerr will be a big success as head coach of the national side.
The 47-year-old’s appointment as Anna Signeul’s successor will be announced by the Scottish FA today.
“Shelley will be fantastic,” said Fleeting. “I’ve known her for a very long time. “I was a team-mate and I’ve seen how successful she has been as a coach as well.
“I’m sure all the girls in Scotland will be delighted she’s going to be taking over from Anna. She’s very conscientious, easy to get on with, and she’ll work her socks off to make sure the women’s game goes from strength to strength.”
Kerr will not replace Signeul, who is to become the Finland head coach, until after this summer’s Euros in the Netherlands. She will, however, attend the draw for the 2019 World Cup qualifiers on April 25 and be involved in the fixture scheduling.
It is understood Kerr will remain with Lowland League Stirling University for the rest of the season.
The former Scotland captain made history in 2014 when she became the first female head coach of a British senior men’s side. Prior to that she spent 16 months as manager of Arsenal Ladies, having earlier worked for the SFA – latterly as the under-19 head coach. She gained her Uefa Pro Licence at the start of 2013.
A no-nonsense central defender, Kerr played her first Scotland game at Stark’s Park in 1989 when England were the visitors. Her side lost but it was the start of a 59-cap career despite missing several years due to the birth of her daughter.
The Broxburn-born coach will be the first Scot to head up the national side for almost 20 years. Vera Pauw, who is Dutch, got the job in 1998, followed seven years later by Signeul, who immersed herself in every facet of women’s football in Scotland.
“The amount of work improving the club structure is what has helped bring the national team success,” added Fleeting.
“Anna built that up and I’m sure Shelley will be keen to continue.”
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