New manager for Arsenal Ladies (From Borehamwood Times)

Arsenal Ladies appoint Shelley Kerr as new manager

3:10pm Friday 8th February 2013 in Sport

Arsenal Ladies have appointed Shelley Kerr as their new manager.

Kerr replaces Laura Harvey, who leaves Arsenal for American side Seattle Reign FC after four and a half successful years with the Gunners, first as a coach and then as manager.

Shelley, whose new side play in Borehamwood, said: “I’m extremely excited to be taking up the position of Arsenal Ladies manager. Arsenal have been at the forefront of the women’s game for as long as I can remember and it’s a real honour to join the setup.

“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.”

Shelley arrives at the club from the Scottish FA where she has overseen the Under-19 national side for the past four years, leading them to the finals of the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship in 2010 and helping to develop current Arsenal Ladies stars Kim Little and Jennifer Beattie among other young Scotland players.

Shelley also helped her country to the UEFA Women’s Euro 2009 play-offs – the first time in Scotland’s history that they had reached this stage of a major international tournament.

A former Scotland international with 59 caps for her country, the 43-year-old also has extensive coaching experience at club level with Spartans in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. She was awarded the prestigious UEFA Pro Licence in January 2013.

General Manager Vic Akers said: “We are extremely pleased to have confirmed Shelley as the new Arsenal Ladies manager.

“She has fantastic experience at club and international level and all the qualities needed to succeed at Arsenal. On behalf of everyone at Arsenal, I would like to welcome Shelley to the club.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal Ladies will kick off their Women’s Super League title defence against Bristol Academy on Sunday, April 14 at Meadow Park.

The champions are favourites to claim their third straight WSL crown.

Arsenal’s season gets underway four weeks before their WSL opener with Champions League, FA Cup and Continental Cup ties all packed into in March.

Full details of the Ladies’ fixture list is available on the Arsenal website.