She managed English FA WSL club Arsenal Ladies from February 2013 until June 2014. She won the FA Cup with Arsenal twice, including on 1st June 2014. As a player Kerr was a powerful centre back, who captained the Scotland women’s national football team as well as clubs including Spartans and Hibernian. She won 59 caps for Scotland between 1989 and 2008, scoring three goals.
During her playing career Kerr won every domestic honour in Scotland and played in the UEFA Women’s Cup. She also represented Doncaster Rovers Belles in England. As a coach, Kerr gained experience at Kilmarnock, Hibernian and Spartans while progressing through the Scottish Football Association’s (SFA) Long-term Player Development pathway, eventually taking charge of the Scotland women’s under–19 national team in 2009. She gained the UEFA Pro Licence in January 2013, shortly before leaving the SFA for Arsenal Ladies.
In August 2014, Shelley became the first female manager in British men’s senior football when she was appointed manager of Stirling University, competing in the Lowland League.