Republic of Ireland women name new head coach
Republic of Ireland women's team has announced former Aston Villa coach Carla Ward as its new boss, replacing Eileen Gleeson.
Ward will lead the national side through its 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign after it missed out on UEFA Women's Euro 2025 qualification.
Ward's first game will see Republic of Ireland take on Turkey in the UEFA Women's Nations League next month.
She said: "This is an unbelievable opportunity, not just with the national team but in helping to add to the fantastic work being done to develop women and girls' football.
"I’m hugely excited to get going with the Ireland Women’s National Team.
"Over the next two and a half years, as we build towards the World Cup, we can make a real difference and I’m looking forward to getting started."
FAI chief football officer Marc Canham claimed the appointment of Ward was a huge moment for the national side.
He said: "We are thrilled to announce a head coach of Carla’s pedigree.
"To be able to secure such a top quality coach is a statement of our ambition for where our women’s team can go."
