Search for new coach ‘still ongoing’
The Scottish Football Association has defended its process of recruiting a new Scotland Women head coach amid criticism over the time being taken.
Shelley Kerr quit on Christmas Eve but the SFA has still to draw up a shortlist of candidates to succeed her.
Scotland are set to be in action in June to warm up for their opening World Cup qualifiers in September but might not have a new head coach in place until the competitive games.
Recently-appointed head of girls' and women's football, Fiona Mcintyre, is heavily involved in the process alongside chief executive Ian Maxwell and chief football officer Andy Gould.
And Gould stressed they were taking their time to ensure they got a candidate who could emulate their double qualification for major tournaments before the failure to reach the next European Championship.
"The process is still
ongoing, we are still receiving applications,” said Gould.
“The role now is to get to a point where we can refine that. It's been great having Fiona in because she has really helped drive that process.
“Now it's about us trying to make sure we find the best possible person, the best candidate, to support this team and take the team forward.
“It's absolutely about getting thebestperson,that'sabsolutelycritical,becausethisnational team is so important. We have seen them previously qualify forchampionships,soit'sabout makingsurewecangetthebest person to drive the national team, and inspire the next generation.” Stuart Mclaren was appointed interim head coach in January and oversaw the the final two matches of the Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.
Former Italy head coach Carolina Morace said in February she was "disappointed" that the SFA did not follow up on her interest in the post.