SHELLEY Kerr hopes the appointment of Steve Clarke as head coach of the Scotland men's team will lead to the Tartan Army getting behind her side as well. Clarke went out of his way on Monday to say the achievement of the women's squad in making it back-to-back finals would motivate him in his new job.
“It's nice to hear, and very kind words, but I would replicate that about him as he's very knowledgeable about football,” the women's head coach pointed out. “Whether it's man-management or the tactical elements of the game, he's a fantastic appointment, and a popular appointment.
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“It's exciting times for everyone in Scottish football with Steve getting the job and us going to the World Cup. Hopefully we can get to the (men's) Euros as well.”
“We need to be getting to finals. That's a big thing, and it's the wish of everyone that's involved in Scottish football.”
Clarke's words of praise for the women's team were well received and also well timed, with the squad playing Jamaica in a World Cup send-off game next Tuesday. That is followed by Clarke's first game in charge against Cyprus he following week.
“All of a sudden you've got two national teams, in the space of a week or so, that are going to be playing at Hampden,” Kerr said. “I would urge everyone to come along and watch both teams.
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“That's what we should be all about as a country. Regardless of the situation, it's important we support our national teams. It would be brilliant for Steve to get off to a good start against Cyprus, and get everyone in Scotland behind him and the team.”
Scotland women's captain Rachel Corsie, who arrived in Scotland at 8am yesterday (tues) after flying through the night from the United States where she plays for NWSL side Utah Royals, also welcomed Clarke's reference to her side.
“It was huge and flattering for someone of Steve Clarke's calibre to mention our achievements.” Corsie admitted. “On top of that, to do it in his first interview as Scotland manager says a huge amount about what we have done. It reiterates the message that we are in it together, men and women.”
Clarke's appointment also had a personal resonance for fanatical Aberdeen supporter Corsie. It removed him from Kilmarnock, who pipped her side for third place in the league.
*Shelley Kerr and Rachel Corsie were speaking at the announcement of Loganair as official airline partner of the Scotland women's team. They will fly the squad to Nice on June 5.
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