Anna Signeul to step down as Scotland national coach after Euro 2017

Anna Signeul will step down as Scotland national coach after the UEFA Euro 2017 finals this summer to become head coach of the Finland national team.

The Swede, who has managed the Scots since 2005, will led the national side at their first-ever major competition in the Netherlands.

"Firstly, I would like to say that after 12 great years in Scotland I am proud that this squad have made the journey to their first-ever European Championships," Signeul said.

"This was a wonderful achievement and one that has been thoroughly deserved.

"These players are dedicated, professional and have overcome adversity to become the formidable players they are, individually and collectively.

"Scotland and its people will always have a very special place in my heart."

Signeul and her team arrived in Cyprus on Monday for two games against Denmark to start their preparations for Euro 2017 and informed the squad of her plans.

Scotland, who are ranked 21st in the world, have been drawn in Group D alongside England, Portugal and Spain and are targeting a place in the quarter-finals.

"I felt it was important to clarify my future now so that we can prepare without any distractions," the 55-year-old added.

"We have an intensive programme of fixtures and while it has been a terrific achievement to reach the finals, we are determined to go there and make an impact.

"The focus for the players and staff is on the Euro's and we know there is a lot of work to be done to prepare the team for the tournament in the Netherlands."

After Denmark, Scotland will face Austria, New Zealand and Korea Republic in the Cyprus Cup between February 27 and March 9.

Their final preparation ahead of the Euros in July is a friendly against Belgium in Leuven on April 11.

The Scottish FA’s chief executive Stewart Regan said: "Anna will rightly be lauded for taking the first Scotland women’s national team to a major finals and that legacy is richly deserved.

"More than that, though, she has worked tirelessly and to raise standards at all levels of the women’s game and to increase opportunities for girls and women across the country.

"She has been an inspiration and I have no doubt she will burnish that legacy during the UEFA Euro finals in Netherlands."

The Scottish FA's new performance director Malky Mackay will begin the process of recruiting Signeul’s successor.

"I have only been here for a few weeks but I know that Anna is highly respected within the association, among her squad of players and throughout the women’s game in general," Mackay added.

"She will be a hard act to follow. That is the challenge for any potential successor

"But the most important aspect at the moment is to ensure Anna and her squad can focus on their preparations for what will be an exciting and, I’m sure, a successful summer ahead."