Jeglertz appointed to Finland helm

Andreé Jeglertz has been appointed the new coach of the Finland women's national team in succession to Michael Käld.

Four-year deal
Last month Käld took charge of Finland for the 107th and last time after nearly nine years at he helm, in which time he led them to their first two major tournaments, reaching the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship semi-finals in England then the quarter-finals on home soil this summer. Jeglertz, 37, has signed a four-year contract and made his name in female football as coach of Umeå IK in his native Sweden from 2004 until 2008, successfully defending the UEFA Women's Cup and reaching two other finals as well as claiming four straight Damallsvenskan titles before leaving to join the Djurgårdens IF FF men's set-up.

Continuing the work
Jeglertz, who Football Association of Finland chief executive Kimmo Lipponen revealed was selected from a shortlist of three names, said: "There were many Finnish players at Umeå and I have also seen the good work Michael Käld has done in Finland. I will now continue Käld's work, there will be no need to start from the beginning again. I am happy to be here now, it will be a good step in my coaching career and a great challenge. I had other offers, but this really interested me." He takes over a side that has won all four of their 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying Group 7 fixtures – just like Italy, who Finland visit on 31 March after first competing at the Algarve Cup from 24 February.