Former Stirling Albion player Stuart McLaren has been appointed Scotland Women’s National Team Interim Head Coach for the forthcoming fixtures against Cyprus and Portugal.
Following the departure of Shelley Kerr, the Scottish FA National Youth Team coach will take charge for the final two matches of the UEFA EURO 2022 qualifying campaign, whilst the association continues its recruitment process for a permanent Head Coach.
McLaren enjoyed a 14-year playing career, featuring for clubs in Australia, Scotland, Hong Kong and Malaysia. He also worked in the Queensland Academy of Sport’s women’s football programme. Stuart took charge of Stirling Albion in 2014 after retiring from Perth Glory and joined the association as Coach Education & Development Manager in 2016, during which time he successfully completed his UEFA Pro Licence.
McLaren was appointed as National Youth Team coach in 2018 – leading the Scotland Under-16s to their Victory Shield win in 2019 – and has mentored many of the women’s national team players through their coach education journeys.
McLaren said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the women’s national team on an interim basis as the squad look to refocus and set their sights on competing at a major tournament once again.
“The team were obviously incredibly disappointed not to qualify for the Euros but now we have the chance to ensure we end the campaign on a high and bring back the feel good factor surrounding the squad before the new Head Coach is appointed.
“The women’s team have done incredibly well over the last few years, inspiring a nation and I am excited about being given the opportunity to make a positive impact in the short time I have with the squad, providing the players with the necessary support and guidance.”
Scottish FA’s Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “Stuart brings a wealth of experience into his role as Interim Head Coach, having been involved at a variety of levels within the game.
“He has excelled within the Scottish FA since joining in November 2016 and his coaching abilities are highly regarded throughout the country.
“The process to appoint a new head coach of the Scotland Women’s National Team is well under way and having Stuart taking over as Interim Head Coach allows us more time to select the best candidate ahead of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers beginning later this year.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
