Carla Ward admits Ireland in ‘transition period’ after nightmare in Slovenia

The Republic of Ireland “overachieved” by qualifying for the 2023 World Cup and they are currently undergoing a “transition period and building with a younger squad” according to the new women’s head coach Carla Ward.

The former Aston Villa manager made the comments after Ireland’s 4-0 defeat to Slovenia in Koper on Tuesday evening when Ward also conceded that her own tactical and selection errors were responsible for the worst defeat since 2018.

“Yes it is a reality check,” said Ward. “We have to be realistic about were we are at as a nation. There’s no harm in saying I believe it was an over-achievement to get to the last World Cup.

“They did fantastically well to get there. We have to recognise where we’re at and move that expectation. And really understand we are in a transition period and building with a younger squad.”

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However, Ward did not start a player younger than 25 in last Friday’s error strewn 1-0 win over Turkey in Tallaght or against Slovenia. The average age of the starting 11 on Tuesday was 27½ years old with Ireland’s two world-class players, Arsenal wing back Katie McCabe (29) and North Carolina Courage midfielder Denise O’Sullivan (31) currently in their prime.

The defeat in Koper damages the FAI and Ward’s stated goal of qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil as Slovenia are now in pole position to be promoted to Nations League A with four matches remaining. Necla Gungor’s side visit Ireland on June 3rd.

The runners-up in Group 2 must overcome a country that finishes third in League A in a promotion/relegation playoff. The importance of promotion cannot be overstated as it enhances Ireland’s seeding come next year’s playoff to qualify for Brazil.

Ward will attend the President’s Cup match between Shelbourne and Athlone Town at Tolka Park on Saturday, but a previous commitment to complete her Uefa Pro Licence may deny her the opportunity to watch the opening round of the League of Ireland on March 8th.

After a period of uncertainty around Eileen Gleeson’s employment status within the FAI, it has been established that the former Ireland manager is still a member of staff in Abbotstown.

Ward replaced Gleeson as the woman’s head coach last month, with the association’s chief football officer Marc Canham stating at Ward’s unveiling on January 16th that they were “working through” Gleeson’s future role.

When asked about the situation on Wednesday, the FAI did not respond to a request for comment.

However, the association are believed to be trying to figure out a role for the 52-year-old, who also previously held the position of Vera Pauw’s assistant coach and the head women’s and girls’ football.

In January 2023 Gleeson filled the newly established position, overseeing the entire female game before changing roles to replace Pauw as Ireland manager in September 2023.

Canham recommended a change of management following failure to qualify for Euro 2025. Gleeson has not spoken publicly since the Euros playoff loss to Wales in December, but on Wednesday she highlighted the “illusion of professionalism” on X that might be interpreted as criticism of the FAI.

Hannah Dingley, having replaced Gleeson as the head of women’s and girls’ football is due to publish the latest FAI “action plan” for the women’s game. Despite taking up the role in May 2024, Dingley has yet to speak to the media.

Meanwhile, Christina Kenny has been appointed as the association’s chief operating officer, replacing David Courell following his promotion to chief executive last year.

Kenny is a Fifa licensed agent who previously held a voluntary role in the FAI as an independent committee member from 2019 to 2023.