Association to begin search for head coach’s successor ‘immediately’
Eileen Gleeson will step down as Ireland women’s team head coach
Eileen Gleeson will remain as an FAI employee even though her contract as manager of the senior women’s team has not been renewed.
The FAI announced this evening that the board had opted to go in another direction after a review of Ireland’s unsuccessful attempt to qualify for next summer’s European Championships.
However, it’s understood that Gleeson will be staying on the Abbotstown workforce, although sources say she will not be returning to her previous position as the head of Women and Girls football.
Welsh woman Hannah Dingley was appointed to that position in April. In February, Gleeson refused to discuss a Sunday Independent report that candidates for the broader post believed they were keeping the seat warm for the Dubliner. It’s unclear what specific role she will be taking going forward.
Gleeson has departed the senior stage after 18 games in charge following the departure of Vera Pauw after the World Cup in Australia.
She was initially appointed in an interim capacity and had swatted away the suggestion she would take the job full-time but a strong Nations League campaign led to the FAI giving her the reins last winter.
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Results were mixed this year but it was clear that her fate would be determined by a play-off to reach Switzerland that ended in bitter disappointment when Wales secured a second leg win in the Aviva Stadium eight days ago.
FAI CEO David Courell said: “On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, we acknowledge the dedication and passion that Eileen has showed in leading the Ireland Women’s National Team over the last 16 months.
“Eileen has long been a terrific ambassador for women & girls’ football in Ireland and she leaves behind a positive impact on our Women’s National Team that included an excellent UEFA Nations League campaign, a memorable win over France in Cork and a run to the Play-Offs for EURO 2025. We thank Eileen for everything that she has done.”
Chief football officer Marc Canham added: “It is important to recognise the leadership that Eileen brought to our Women’s National Team in topping our League B in the UEFA Nations League, guiding them into the Qualifying Play-Offs for EURO 2025 and continuing to build on the legacy that has developed over recent years.”
The FAI say that the search for Gleeson’s successor will begin immediately.