Kerr takes the reins at Arsenal

Arsenal FC have announced that Shelley Kerr has been appointed manager ahead of their UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final with ASD Torres CF.

The 43-year-old former Scottish international replaces Laura Harvey, who left the role in December after three and a half years for Seattle Reign FC in the United States. Kerr moves from her position in charge of Scotland's Under-19s, whom she led to the finals of the UEFA European Women's U19 Championship in 2010, and where she worked with current Arsenal players Kim Little and Jennifer Beattie.

"I am extremely excited to be taking up the position of Arsenal Ladies manager," said Kerr. "Arsenal have been at the forefront of the women's game for as long as I can remember and it is a real honour to join the setup. I am inheriting a great group of players and look forward to working with them to bring further success to the club in the seasons ahead."

General manager Vic Akers said: "We are extremely pleased to have confirmed Shelley as the new manager. She has fantastic experience at club and international level and all the qualities needed to succeed at Arsenal." Arsenal welcome Torres to Borehamwood on 20 March before the return a week later in Sardinia.