Shelley steps up as Laura heads for US challenge – Scots star delighted to take over as the new Gunners’ boss
Thursday, 7th February 2013
Shelley Kerr Photo: The Scottish FA
Published: 7 February, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT
FORMER Scotland international Shelley Kerr has been unveiled as the new manager of Arsenal Ladies.
She replaces Laura Harvey, who is bound for American side Seattle Reign FC after four and a half successful years with the Gunners.
Kerr jumps into the Arsenal hotseat following an impressive spell with the Scottish FA where she led the Under-19s national side to the finals of the UEFA Women’s Championship in 2010. She also helped her country to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2009 play-offs, the first time in Scotland’s history that they had reached that stage of a major international tournament.
The 43-year-old, who boasts 59 international caps, is delighted with her new job. “Arsenal have been at the forefront of the women’s game for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I’m extremely excited to be taking up the position of manager. It’s a real honour to join the set-up.
“I’m inheriting a great group of players and I look forward to working with them all to bring further success to the club in the seasons ahead.”
Arsenal Ladies general manager Vic Akers, who grew up in Islington, added: “Shelley has fantastic experience at club and international level and all the qualities needed to succeed at Arsenal.”
Kerr doesn’t have long to familiarise herself with her new surroundings before facing a series of tough tests.
A mega-March of fixtures include FA Cup games, Birmingham in the Continental Cup and two legs against Italian side Torres in the Champions League. The Ladies will then begin the defence of their Women’s Super League title against Bristol Academy on April 14.
