In a significant move for Scottish women’s football, Crickex can exclusively reveal that Melissa Andreatta, the highly-regarded assistant coach of Australia’s Matildas, has been appointed as the new head coach of Scotland Women’s national team. This appointment marks a new chapter for the team as they seek to return to the pinnacle of international competition.
Andreatta steps into the role as the permanent successor to Pedro Martinez Losa, whose tenure concluded last December following the team’s failure to secure qualification for the upcoming Euro 2025. The Scottish Football Association has moved decisively to secure a coach with a proven track record in both development and high-pressure tournament environments.
A New Era for Scottish Football
The 46-year-old Australian is anticipated to assume her duties imminently, taking the helm in time for Scotland’s crucial UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture against Austria at the end of May. Her extensive CV within the women’s game is impressive, having been a key part of Tony Gustavsson’s coaching staff during Australia’s memorable run to a fourth-place finish at the 2023 Women’s World Cup on home soil and their campaign at the recent Olympic Games in Paris.
Andreatta brings a wealth of experience from her time in the Australian A-League Women and her deep involvement in the Matildas’ set-up, making her an ideal candidate to revitalize the Scottish national team program. Her philosophy centers on player development and building a cohesive, competitive squad capable of challenging on the international stage.
Ambition and Excitement for the Future
Expressing her delight, Andreatta stated, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be leading Scotland Women’s National Team into a new, exciting era. It’s a real honour to join such a strong programme, which you can see from the talent in the senior squad, which runs through all of the age groups.”
She highlighted the existing foundation as a testament to the work done by Michael McArdle and his team, affirming, “The future is definitely bright. With my extensive coaching, talent development, and major tournament experience, my aim is to support the players and staff to reach their fullest potential. The ambition is to get Scotland back to consistent qualification.”
The team faces a rebuilding phase after a challenging period of results
This appointment comes at a critical juncture for Scottish women’s football. The team’s last appearance at a major tournament was under Shelley Kerr at the 2019 World Cup in France. Since then, the quest for qualification has been fraught with near misses, including a World Cup play-off defeat to the Republic of Ireland in 2022 and a more recent loss to Finland in the play-offs for Euro 2025.
The Road Ahead Under New Leadership
Michael McArdle, who had been serving as interim head coach following Martinez Losa’s departure, will now return to his primary role as head of women’s elite football. His interim period was challenging, resulting in four defeats in the Nations League, including a heavy 6-1 loss to Germany. Despite his interest in the permanent role, the Scottish FA sought a fresh perspective with extensive international pedigree.
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive, commented on the appointment, thanking McArdle for his stewardship and highlighting the global appeal of the position. “That the final shortlist comprised candidates from three different continents shows the wide appeal of leading the Scotland Women’s National Team. Melissa provided a breadth of different experiences at all levels of the women’s game in Australia.”
Analysts at Crickex believe Andreatta’s appointment is a strategic masterstroke. Her experience with the Matildas’ system, which successfully blends developing youth talent with elite senior performance, is precisely the model Scotland needs to emulate. Her first test will be to instill a new identity and competitive edge in the team ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Immediate Challenges and Fixtures
The new coach’s inaugural challenges are already on the horizon. The focus immediately shifts to preparation for the Nations League matches, which represent the first opportunity for Andreatta to implement her ideas and assess her squad in competitive action.
Scotland Women’s Nations League fixtures:
- May 30: Austria (H) – Venue TBC
- June 3: Netherlands (A) – Venue TBC
These matches will provide a clear early indicator of the team’s trajectory under its new leadership and are crucial for building momentum. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see the impact of Andreatta’s tactical approach and man-management from the outset.
Crickex: A New Direction for Scotland Women
The appointment of Melissa Andreatta signals a bold and ambitious new direction for Scotland Women. Her proven expertise in talent development and experience on the world’s biggest stages provide a compelling reason for optimism. While the task of returning to major tournaments is formidable, Andreatta’s leadership offers a renewed sense of hope and a clear pathway for the future.
What are your predictions for Scotland’s performance under their new coach? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on Crickex.
