The FAI has stated that Eileen Gleeson will take on the role of Interim Head Coach of the Ireland Women's National Team, a day after Vera Pauw and Ireland's governing body parted ways.
Pauw, who took over Ireland in 2019 and led the team to their first World Cup this year, had her future reviewed at an FAI board meeting on Tuesday. The decision to seek a new manager came late on Tuesday night.
Player tensions and the performance in the World Cup were big factors in not renewing the Dutch coach's contract, confirmed reports.
A statement from the FAI said, "At the meeting of the FAI Board, the Board has decided that Ireland Women's National Team Manager, Vera Pauw, will not be offered a new contract after the expiry of her current contract at the end of this month."
One of Pauw's coaches, Eileen Gleeson, will now take over the role until the FAI finds a suitable replacement for the team in the long term.
A short statement from the FAI confirmed that Gleeson would replace Pauw in the role on an interim basis: "The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that Eileen Gleeson will take on the role of Interim Head Coach of the Ireland Women's National Team, starting with their opening two UEFA Nations League games in September," he said.
"Currently the FAI Head of Women and Girls' Football, Eileen was previously involved with the WNT as Assistant Coach and will now lead the team on an interim basis as the recruitment process for the new Head Coach begins.
"Ireland will host Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, September 23 before traveling to Budapest to take on Hungary on Tuesday, September 26 in their opening League B games."
During her career, Gleeson played for teams like Ballymun United and Hammond Celtic. The Dublin native then went into coaching with Peamount United and UCD Waves. Her crowning moment with the team was leading Peamount to the Champions League qualifiers.
Shortly after obtaining her UEFA pro-license coaching qualification back in 2019, Pauw decided to bring her into the Irish coaching set-up. She then left in 2021 to manage Glasgow City in the Scottish Women's Premier League.
She led the team to a league title and Cup finals and will now be in charge of Ireland for their two UEFA Nations League games in September. Ireland first faces Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on September 23. They then travel to Budapest to take on Hungary on September 26.
Eileen Gleeson's track record in football
- Women's National League
- Winners: 2010, 2012
- Runners-up: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017
- FAI Women's Cup
- Winners: 2010
- Runners-up: 2008, 2012, 2014, 2017
- WNL Cup
- Winners: 2012, 2013
- Runners-up: 2015, 2016
- Scottish Women's Premier League
- Winner: 2022-2023
- Runners-up: 2021/22
- Scottish Women's Cup
- Runners-up: 2022
- Scottish Women's Premier League Cup
- Runners-up: 2021
