Eileen Gleeson appointed permanent Ireland women's boss

The experienced Dubliner oversaw an impressive Nations League campaign as interim boss.

Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Eileen Gleeson has landed the permanent Ireland women’s team job, despite previously distancing herself from the vacancy.

Chief executive Jonathan Hill last week confirmed the appointment would be announced pre-Christmas and Gleeson was firmly in consideration to be the 10th manager in the 50-year history of the national team.

The Dubliner stepped into the breach on an interim basis created by the association opting against renewing Vera Pauw’s contract on August 31.

Gleeson went on to oversee a perfect record of six wins during her UEFA Nations League B campaign, racking up 20 goals and only two against over the series against Hungary, Northern Ireland and Albania.

During that stellar campaign – which elevates Ireland to the top tier of Euro qualifiers next year – the FAI interviewed several candidates for the full-time post.

Director of Football Marc Canham enlisted the services of a recruitment agency and board members Packie Bonner and Niamh O’Mahony were also part of the interviewing delegation after field was reduced from the initial 12 to a shortlist.

Among the other contenders have been Alan Mahon, the former Ireland international and long-time assistant manager of Manchester City’s women’s team, along with Mo Marley, the ex-England international who has served in a number of England roles, including U21, U23 and interim senior coach before retiring from the English FA in 2020.

Jayne Ludlow, the Arsenal legend, who managed her native Wales and most recently operated at Manchester City’s head of youth, has also been linked.

Gleeson’s initial reluctance to upgrade from interim to permanent boss however didn’t dim her employers’ desire to talk her round to the concept.

Players have spoken openly about the calmness she was brought to the camp following the fractious end to the Pauw reign.

Ireland’s World Cup campaign in Australia last July was blighted by infighting, influencing the subsequent review which led to a change of guard.

Gleeson (51) managed Peamount United and DLR Waves on the domestic scene before becoming Pauw’s assistant from the time she took over in late 2019 to leaving for the Glasgow City job in November 2021.

She returned to Ireland and joined the FAI in January of this year as head of women’s and girls’ football. It’s believed discussions around either job-sharing or relinquishing this position delayed today’s confirmation.

“If I had ambitions to manage any team, this is the team I’d want to manage,” Gleeson said in October.

“The focus is on the head of women’s and girls’ football role, so it’s a super difficult decision, but I need to ensure that these girls continue to move forward and the future generation continues to move forward so I had to make that decision. But if I wanted to manage any team, it’s this team.” That was as open about her motivations as she got, for there was a marked difference to her responses to similar questions in the last window, the 1-0 wins over Hungary at Tallaght and 6-1 against Northern Ireland in Belfast.

Effectively, she dodged the specific question, inferring sufficient time had been devoted to the topic previously.

Her continuity in the post ahead of the draw for the 2025 European Championship on March 5 would also likely ensure the retention of Emma Byrne.

Ireland’s most capped player was a welcome addition to the backroom staff, along with Colin Healy and Richie Fitzgibbon, and the sensible option, despite competition from overseas personnel, was maintaining the winning formula.

For me, there is nothing greater than being Irish," Gleeson said. "To have the opportunity to lead my country on the highest stage internationally and be entrusted with the responsibility of maximising the potential of this exciting team and future Ireland players is the proudest and most humbling moment of my life to date.

“Fresh from the experience of working with our fantastic players and staff during our recent UEFA Nations League campaign, and seeing all of our talented young players at underage level, there is huge potential for us to build on and to ensure consistent regular qualification for and progression in major tournaments.

“This is an extremely exciting time for Irish Women’s Football. I am truly honoured and privileged to be involved. A special thanks to the FAI board, CEO Jonathan Hill and Director of Football Marc Canham for their trust and support. I look forward to an exciting and busy 2024 on the road to qualification for the UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2025.” 

New FAI President Paul Cooke added: On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I’d like to congratulate Eileen on becoming our new head coach of the Ireland Women’s National Team and we wish her every success.” 

Ireland will have two friendlies in February before the March draw, with the qualifiers kicking off in April. More games at the Aviva Stadium, after their debut against Northern Ireland in September, are likely as the opposition will be superior in profile to the Nations League fare.