Vera Pauw standing by defensive tactics

“It is not that I love a deep block - I love winning,” defended the Dutch native.

ON THE DEFENCE: At Sky Ireland’s International Women’s Day event is Vera Pauw, Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Manager, with former players Breda Hanlon, left, and Paula Gorham. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

THIRTY-FIVE years after Jack Charlton ignored the purists to make history, Vera Pauw is also not for turning when it comes to the style or substance debate.

Pauw has emulated the late Big Jack’s pioneering feat of breaking a qualification hoodoo by reaching this summer’s Women’s World Cup but the method to her success has not escaped scrutiny.