CARLA Ward has been named as the new manager for the Republic of Ireland women’s national team.
The 41-year-old woman from the Isle of Wight will take over from Eileen Gleeson after she failed to guide the Girls in Green to Euro 2025.
Gleeson was not offered a new contract with the FAI after her side lost over two legs to Wales in the second round of qualifying, ending their hopes of getting to a second successive major tournament.
Ward comes into the team having been part of the United States’ coaching staff under Emma Hayes as they won gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“I am hugely excited to get going with the Ireland women’s national team,” Ward 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’s and girls’ football.
“Over the next two-and-a-half years, as we build towards the World Cup, we can make a real difference and I am looking forward to getting started.”
Ward started off her career in Bristol, playing for both Rovers and City before spending a year in Spain with Sporting Plaza de Argel.
On returning to England, she played for Leeds United, Lincoln City and Sheffield FC before finishing her playing days at Sheffield United in 2018.
After retiring she then managed her former teammates at the Blades until 2020, before taking the reins at St Andrew’s with Birmingham City for one season.
Most recently, she managed the Blues' cross-city rivals Aston Villa Women’s from 2021 to 2024 before taking up the post with Ireland.
Also joining Ward’s coaching staff is Alan Mahon, a former Ireland men’s international who also worked in the WSL at Manchester City, and goalkeeping coach Emma Byrne – former Ireland women’s captain and record appearance holder.
Football Association of Ireland chief football officer Marc Canham 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 national team can go.
“We are delighted to secure someone who brings the passion, commitment and skill set that we set out to find in the recruitment process.
“Carla’s experience as a coach, aligned with her ability to bring the best out in those around her, marked her out as our number one candidate and we are confident that she will be a brilliant appointment.”
