Carla Ward supports Denise O'Sullivan despite criticism of FAI over Colin Healy fiasco
Ireland manager Carla Ward on a visit to Tallaght Stadium before the Nations League League B match against Turkiye.
New Ireland women’s team boss Carla Ward has revealed she’s discussed Denise O’Sullivan’s criticism of the FAI over the handling of them relieving Colin Healy of his duties.
Former Ireland midfielder Healy worked as assistant to Ward’s predecessor Eileen Gleeson and remains adamant a promise of continuity in the job was guaranteed by the FAI.
Their chief football officer Marc Canham denies any “absolute guarantees” were provided, insisting the decision always hinged on the outcome of the Euro playoff against Wales, which Ireland lost 3-2.
O’Sullivan has backed her fellow Cork native, describing him as an honourable man and accusing the FAI of disrespectful treatment that “lacked class and compassion.” Her stance was endorsed by teammate Caitlin Hayes but Ward wasn’t extending an olive branch to the unemployed coach.
She completed his backroom team this week, ahead of the Uefa Nations League campaign kicking off against Turkey on Friday week, by enlisting Liverpool coach Amber Whiteley.
“Look, I’m somebody that likes to face things head on,” she said about the dissension from O’Sullivan.
“I don’t shy away from things. For those that know me, know my background, I’m very okay with difficult conversations. I’m very okay with addressing the elephant in the room. Yeah, we had conversations (and) they understand I’ll support them.
“My job is to get them focused now on moving forward, and that’s exactly what they’re gonna do.
“It’s a situation that happened before I was here, so it wasn’t a question for me. It’s not something I can particularly comment on because, like I said, this was before I came through the door.
“What I will say is I’ve got a huge admiration for both Eileen and Colin for the work they’ve done. Two tremendous people but it’s not something that I can comment on because it was before me.
“I can only go on what I see and read. I don’t know enough about it being really honest. I wouldn’t like to know the ins and outs because it’s really important that I move forward.
“My focus has to be this next camp, winning football matches, and that’s all I’m going to do.” Injury deprives the new manager the availability Louise Quinn (hip flexor), Jess Ziu and Lily Agg (ACL), Tara O’Hanlon (knee), Jamie Finn (return to play from ACL) but she’s added the latest recruit through ancestry. Charlton Athletic midfielder Melisa Filis, who qualifies through her Mayo-born mother, has been called up for the first time after receiving FIFA international clearance.
Ireland complete the double-header by visiting Koper on Tuesday week to meet Slovenia. Greece complete the League B pool they were pitted in by finishing last in last year’s League A qualifying group.
“Of course we want six points,” affirmed the former Birmingham City and Aston Villa boss.
“What I will say is Slovenia are a very good side - they’re progressing in all the age groups as well as the first team.
“In qualification last time around, six out of six, didn’t concede a goal. They’re a very, very good side; we can see that from analysing them now.
“The goal is to win the Nations League group and to move forward.
“We must try and reach for the A League because ultimately that gives a slightly more favourable route to the World Cup. That’s got to be an aim, that’s why I’m here.”
Ward said that Cork native Saoirse Noonan, in scoring form at Celtic, marginally missed out on inclusion.
“She was very close,” said Ward.
“Even up to the last couple of days, she’s somebody that’s massively on the radar.
“She’s doing tremendously well and someone we’ve looked at. She will think she could have been in this squad and we feel she probably could have, but we’ve gone with a squad that we believe covers all bases. She’s not too far away at all.”
Friday, February 21
Tallaght Stadium
KO 7.30pm.
LIVE on RTÉ2/RTÉ Player
Tuesday, February 25
Bonifika Stadium, Koper
KO 5pm (Irish Time)
LIVE on RTÉ2/RTÉ Player
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