Carla Ward: Ex-Aston Villa boss named Republic of Ireland head coach
2025-01-16
Category: sports

Former Aston Villa manager Carla Ward has been appointed Republic of Ireland head coach, replacing Eileen Gleeson. Ward, 41, takes charge with immediate effect and will lead the country through to the end of the 2027 World Cup campaign. Gleeson's contract was not renewed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) following the team's defeat by Wales in last month's Euro 2025 play-off as the Irish missed out on place at this year's finals in Switzerland.Ward's first game in charge will be the Uefa Nations League opener against Turkey at Tallaght Stadium on 21 February. The Isle of Wight-born coach's career has included being part of the United States' management team as they won gold at last year's Paris Olympics while she has also had stints in charge of Sheffield United and Birmingham City.Ward said she was "hugely excited" to land the Republic of Ireland job."This is an unbelievable opportunity, not just with the national team but in helping to add to the fantastic work being done to develop women and girls' football," she added.
Mahon appointed assistant boss
Ward's assistant will be former Republic of Ireland men's international Alan Mahon, who was assistant manager at Manchester City for 10 years.In addition, Emma Byrne will remain at goalkeeping coach after undertaking the role as part of Gleeson's management team.FAI chief football officer Marc Canham said Ward would bring the "passion, commitment and skillset that we set out to find in the recruitment process"."Carla's experience as a coach, aligned with her ability to bring the best out in those around her, marked her out as our number one candidate and we are confident that she will be a brilliant appointment."FAI chief executive David Courell added that Ward "possesses the perfect blend of expertise and experience to deliver on our ambition to qualify for major tournaments".The Republic of Ireland reached their first major women's finals when qualifying for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand before missing out on Euro 2025.