Shelley Kerr recently sat down with Hearts TV for her first interview since joining the club as Technical Development Manager in November.
The former Scotland National team head coach has a wide-ranging role at Oriam and as well as being involved in the development of players and coaches within the male academy in general, Shelley is also Angus Beith’s assistant within the B Team setup.
Kerr admits that her first two months at the club have been hectic, but enjoyable.
“I think anybody would tell you when you go into club football it's 100 miles an hour, she told Hearts TV.
“But in a good way, I think that's the way that I like it. It's very fast-paced, much different from an international space, but it's been really enjoyable. Spending a bit of time firstly getting to know the staff, but also the players as well, and especially that phase of coming out of the academy, into the under-18s and the B team.
On her role, Shelley added:
“Firstly, it's about supporting the B team, but it's also looking at the players coming out of the academy and that transitional phase into the under-18s in the academy. I think ultimately, it's about trying to make sure that the players get the right wraparound support so that we give them every opportunity to excel at the club.”
The B Team enjoyed a successful campaign last season finishing second in the Lowland League and while some players within that team have now taken a step up by moving on loan to clubs within the SPFL, Adam Forrester and James Wilson have enjoyed regularly game time within the first team set up, something Shelley is delighted to see.
“I mean, for me, it's the most exciting part in coaching and managing if you're part of that strategic approach to the developmental issues at a club. Right now, I think the club are doing fantastically well. It's quite unique to have two players that are starting almost every game, you know, in Adam and James.
“That's a credit to the staff and the academy that have helped develop them. But for me, we need more. So, it's a big task, but I think that should be the overarching objective of the academy and then coming out of the academy to try and get more players that are senior ready that can play in the first team and also in Europe.”
On working Angus Beith and the B Team, Shelley continued:
“The players have been fantastic. We've got some real talent there, some who are out on loan just now. I speak about player development, but it's about people development as well, which I'm really passionate about.
“Angus has obviously worked at the school, and he's a high-potential coach. I've really enjoyed so far working with him. So receptive.
“He understands football really well, and he's open to new ideas, which sometimes isn't always the case in football, but I think across the board, looking at all the staff, the coaches, there's real good dynamics in there. There are no egos, which I think is really, really important, but my time with Angus so far, he's a very, very good coach, and I talk about succession planning. It's the same with coaches as well, so player and coach development is really important."
You can watch Shelley’s interview in full on Hearts TV or on the Hearts YouTube channel.
