Shelley Kerr — Coach Focus

Catherine Etoe meets Arsenal Ladies’ new manager at the Gunners’ Hertfordshire training ground. Shelley Kerr calls it the dream job in women’s football and says it was an instant yes, after years developing Scotland’s best young players at the Scottish FA. The 43-year-old former Scotland skipper won 59 caps, took every domestic honour with Kilmarnock and Hibernian, was parachuted in to help Doncaster Rovers Belles avoid relegation in 2005, player-managed Killie, Hibs and Spartans, steered Scotland’s under-19s to the UEFA finals and holds the Pro Licence. General manager Vic Akers praises her experience and qualities. Her first two games were a home Champions League quarter-final and the return in Italy; she steered Arsenal to the semi-finals and says she feels less pressure as a coach than she did as a player. She replaces Laura Harvey, departed to Seattle Reign.