Football isn’t just a man’s game any more

Former Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson once said: “Women should be in the kitchen, the discotheque and the boutique but not in football.”

In a week where sexism in the beautiful game has never been more prominent, that outdated view has now been firmly kicked into touch.

And it’s down, in no small part, to the success of women like Shelley Kerr.

The no-nonsense 44-year-old made history yesterday afternoon when she became the first female to take charge of a British senior men’s football team.

Greeted warmly by enthusiastic Stirling University fans, Shelley was on a high when she spoke to The Sunday Post after the game.

“I couldn’t wait for this day to come,” she beamed. “This week’s been everything I thought it would be.”

Clad in her official tracksuit, Shelley was animated and vocal on the touchline.

However it took some half-time hairdryer treatment of the

Sir Alex Ferguson variety from the new boss to lead her charges to a much-deserved 1-1 draw with visitors Dalbeattie Star in Scotland’s Lowland League.

Supporters of the Uni side have never experienced hype like it after the glare of the national media became focused on the new boss this week. But for Shelley, who has already had her own glittering trophy-laden career as both a player and a coach in the women’s game with 59 caps for Scotland, this week was all about getting the best from her boys in her first professional male clash.

She said: “The focus my appointment’s brought has been a bit manic for me and a bit of a distraction.

“But the lads are fantastic and I think that if they play like the did in the second half today then they’ll have a good season.”

Shelley’s no prude, either. She insists on spending as much time in the changing room with her new players as she did with the Arsenal Ladies side she used to manage.

The men now under her charge just have to get used to her being around the male environment, and act with suitable modesty.

Shelley, originally from Polbeth, West Lothian, admitted her appointment probably raised eyebrows when it was first announced. She added: “It’s never easy having a new coach coming in never mind it being a female. They’ve had a lot to deal with but it’s been water off a duck’s back to them.”

The crowd were more than impressed too with many rejecting the offer of a derby between Stenhousemuir and Stirling Albion to watch the uni team in action.

Jim Wylie, 69, has supported the uni team for more than 20 years. He said: “I think it’s a great move and things will work out well. Shelley will bring so much to the team after having such a good coaching job with Arsenal Ladies.

“It’s a bold move as a lot of clubs might not have done something like this but I think it can only be a good thing. I can already see a difference in the team.”

Jim’s pal, 75-year-old Jeff Melbourne, added: “I am so impressed by the uni having made such an appointment. It is so forward-thinking.”

In a week where former Celtic star and Cardiff manager Malky Mackay has made headlines for apparently unsavoury views some of them sexist Shelley hopes she will inspire others women into the game. “If me being involved in the men’s game paves the way for other women, fantastic,” she added.

Five female football firsts

1. Sian Massey became the first woman to officiate in a match in England’s top flight when she was appointed lineswoman for Blackpool’s 2-0 victory at Sunderland in December 2010.

2. Jacqui Oatley bucked a 43-year trend on BBC’s Match of the Day to become the show’s first ever woman commentator. Her first fixture saw her cover Fulham v Blackburn Rovers in April 2007.

3. Popular telly host Gabby Logan holds two records: she was the first woman presenter of a live football match in the UK and the first woman to anchor Match of the Day.

4. In 2002 business woman Karren Brady became the first female managing director of a top-flight English club when Birmingham City won promotion to the Premiership. She went on to star in TV’s The Apprentice.

5. Edinburgh rivals Hibs and Hearts both have women at their helm for the first time.