Former Stirling University boss Shelley Kerr says the side deserve their opportunity to knock out a Premiership side in the Scottish Cup tomorrow.
Kerr, who managed the university side from 2014 until 2017, has watched on as Chris Geddes' side gears up for a glamour cup tie against Dundee United at Tannadice tomorrow (Saturday).
Kerr was appointed boss at the Lowland League outfit in August 2014 – becoming the female football manager of a men’s side in the UK.
She led the team to consistent top five league finishes and the British Universities Championship final in 2014–15, where they lost 1–0 to Hartpury University.
The 53-year-old was also responsible for introducing an under-20s development squad at the university in her time in charge.
Kerr left her post in April 2017 when she was presented with the opportunity to take charge of Scotland’s women’s national team – going on to lead them to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, making them the first Scottish side to appear at a World Cup in more than 20 years.
Current university boss, Chris Geddes, is a former striker who was one of the side’s longest serving players and all-time top scorer who took over as head coach from Kerr in 2017.
Click here for more news and sport from the Stirling area.
The students are the first university side to reach the fourth round of the cup in more than 50 years.
Ahead of the historic match, Kerr told the Observer: “This has been an amazing achievement so far for Chris, his staff and the players.
“The programme at Stirling University has a been a great success over the years and this is a day everyone connected with the university should celebrate, regardless of the result.
“The Scottish Cup is a historical competition and to get this far is quite remarkable, I wish Chris, the staff, and players the very best of luck on this monumental day for all at Stirling University.”
The students have already been sent the best wishes of an array of sporting icons, lead by legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Saturday’s match will be the first time the uni has ever faced top-flight opposition in a competitive match.
“I just want to wish you all the best. What a challenge it is to you, and I hope you enjoy it,” said Sir Alex in a video message. “You’ve every chance in the cup, and I wish you good luck.”
Sir Alex received an honorary degree from the university in 2011 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport.
In addition, French World Cup winning legend, Lilian Thuram – also an honorary graduate at the university – added his support, saying: “Congratulations! We need to win against Dundee United. We are the best! You are the best! Come on Stirling, let’s go!”
Messages of encouragement also came from Olympic curling champ Eve Muirhead, Judy Murray, swimming star and university alumni Ross Murdoch and musician and TV presenter Dougie Vipond – who resides in Bridge of Allan.
The students will have the backing of more than 1,000 supporters who are set to make the trip to the City of Discovery.
Kick off at Tannadice is 3pm.
