Michael McArdle named interim manager of Scotland Women ahead of Nations League qualifiers

Michael McArdle has been appointed as interim manager of the Scotland Women’s national team.

It comes after Pedro Martinez Losa left his role in December, after a 2-0 play-off defeat in Finland saw the team fail to reach Euro 2025.

McArdle was previously head of women’s elite football in the SFA, and he joined the Scottish FA from St Mirren in December 2022, where he worked as head of coaching.

He has also worked with Falkirk FC and Ayr United and has gained a UEFA Pro Licence – which ruled out linked names such as Brian Graham & Leanne Ross from taking the job.

His first test as Scotland boss will be next month, in the UEFA Women’s Nations League against Austria and Netherlands.

Losa’s contract was set to take him to 2027 but after another qualifying failure – Scotland last reached a major tournament in 2019 – questions were raised of the Spaniard and he was subsequently dismissed.

The Scottish FA board said they felt a “change was required” ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures, and in preparation for 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “Having Michael step in as interim head coach for the women’s national team means that we can fully prepare for the upcoming Nations League games whilst the recruitment process for a permanent head coach continues.

“Michael brings extensive experience within coaching and performance environments and has excelled in his remit since joining the Association two years ago.

“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.”