ANNA SIGNEUL will step down as coach of the Scotland women's team after this summer's European Championships, the Scottish FA have announced.
The Swede, who has been in the job for 12 years, will lead Scotland to their first ever major tournament in the Netherlands this summer.
She will then depart the post to take over as head coach of the Finland national team following the tournament.
“Firstly, I would like to say that after 12 great years in Scotland I am proud that this squad have made the journey to their first-ever European Championships,” she said in a Scottish FA statement.
“This was a wonderful achievement and one that has been thoroughly deserved.
“These players are dedicated, professional and have overcome adversity to become the formidable players they are, individually and collectively.
“The support of the clubs in ensuring we continue to develop an elite environment for the players has been a really humbling experience for me.
“The volume of work undertaken by the volunteers in the clubs is immense. I would like to thank the players, clubs and parents for their support.
“Scotland and its people will always have a very special place in my heart.
“I felt it was important to clarify my future now so that we can prepare without any distractions. We have an intensive programme of fixtures and while it has been a terrific achievement to reach the finals, we are determined to go there and make an impact.
"The focus for the players and staff is on the Euro's and we know there is a lot of work to be done to prepare the team for the tournament in the Netherlands.
“Now that I have explained to the players the reasons for leaving and taking up an offer to coach Finland, we will concentrate on making sure we are in the best condition possible for the finals.
“I would like to thank our Chief Executive, Stewart Regan and our President, Alan McRae, for their support for girls’ and women’s football in Scotland. I will leave Scotland with fond memories but I am convinced the greatest memories lie ahead in the coming months.”
SFA chief executive Stewart Regan added: “Anna will rightly be lauded for taking the first Scotland women’s national team to a major finals and that legacy is richly deserved.
"More than that, though, she has worked tirelessly and to raise standards at all levels of the women’s game and to increase opportunities for girls and women across the country.
“She has been an inspiration and I have no doubt she will burnish that legacy during the UEFA Euro finals in Netherlands.”
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