Kerr appointed Arsenal Ladies manager

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Shelley Kerr has been appointed Arsenal Ladies manager.

She replaces Laura Harvey, who leaves Arsenal for American side Seattle Reign FC after four and a half successful years with the Gunners.

Shelley arrives at the Club from the Scottish FA where she oversaw the under-19s 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.

As a key part of Scotland's senior women’s coaching set-up, Shelley also helped her country to the Euro 2009 play-offs - the first time in Scotland’s history that they reached this stage.

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 UEFA Pro Licence in January 2013.

Shelley said of the appointment: “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."

Arsenal Ladies General Manager Vic Akers added: “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 Football Club, I would like to welcome Shelley to the Club.”