Michael McArdle named inerim coach for Scotland women by Scotland FA having previously been Ayr United assistant manager.
Michael McArdle has been appointed interim head coach of Scotland women’s national team while the Scottish FA continue their search for a permanent successor to Pedro Martinez Losa.
After missing out on the 2023 World Cup and failing to qualify for Euro 2025, the Spaniard resigned from his position last month. McArdle will now be in charge of the Scots’ first Nations League games next month.
The SFA’s head of women’s elite football, McArdle, a former Ayr United assistant, will be in charge when the national side returns to action after missing out on a third consecutive major tournament. They will play Austria on February 21 and the Netherlands four days later in League A.
As the head coach of the under-19 and under-17 international youth teams, McArdle has been in charge of spotting and nurturing talent as well as establishing routes to the national squad as part of his present role.
McArdle joined the team two years ago from St Mirren, a Scottish Premiership team, where he served as head coach.
After earning his Uefa Pro Licence in 2022, he has led the under-19 and under-17 teams to the second round of qualifying for the European Championship finals this summer.
McArdle “has excelled” since joining the SFA, according to Chief Executive Ian Maxwell, and his appointment will enable Scotland “to move forward during a period of transition.”
“Having Michael step in as interim head coach means that we can fully prepare for the upcoming Nations League games while the recruitment process for a permanent head coach continues,” he told the SFA website.
“It’s important that the women’s national team get off to a strong start in the Nations League and we believe that bringing Michael in with the knowledge and expertise he has will allow us to move forward during a period of transition.”