After a stellar run in the Nations League, leading the Republic of Ireland’s women’s team to an impressive six victories in as many matches, Eileen Gleeson has been officially named the permanent head coach.
Gleeson stepped in as the interim coach in August following the Football Association of Ireland’s decision not to renew Vera Pauw’s contract post-World Cup. During her interim tenure, she led the team to a flawless record in the Nations League, which secured their advancement to League A.
This success set the stage for her full-time appointment, with her immediate task being to prepare the team for the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship qualifiers starting in April, following the draw scheduled for March 5, 2024. Gleeson’s plans include an international training camp in February and the formation of a new coaching and support team.
Under Gleeson’s direction, the team shone in the Nations League, defeating teams like Northern Ireland, Hungary, and Albania both home and away, with a remarkable goal tally of 20 scored and only two conceded.
Prior to this, Gleeson, a Dublin native, served as Pauw’s assistant with the Republic of Ireland, before her stint as head coach of Glasgow City starting in November 2021. She left Glasgow City in January to oversee women’s and girls’ football at the FAI.
Gleeson expressed her pride and humility in leading her nation, emphasizing the exciting prospects for Irish Women’s Football and her gratitude towards the FAI for their trust and support.
Marc Canham, FAI’s Director of Football, highlighted the thorough selection process for a new head coach. Despite the global search, Gleeson emerged as the prime candidate, especially after her impressive performance in the Nations League and her commitment to fostering a positive and high-performing team environment.
Sport News Center NI’s analyst Andy Gray noted that although Gleeson initially viewed her interim role as temporary, the team’s success under her leadership made her the natural choice for the permanent position. Known for her straightforward and passionate approach, she has revitalized the team post-Pauw era. The focus now shifts to whether she can elevate the team’s performance in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eileen Gleeson Appointment
Who is Eileen Gleeson?
Eileen Gleeson is a football coach who was recently appointed as the permanent head coach of the Republic of Ireland’s women’s team, following a successful interim period where she led the team to six wins in six matches in the Nations League.
What was Eileen Gleeson’s role before becoming the permanent head coach?
Before her permanent appointment, Gleeson served as the interim head coach of the Republic of Ireland’s women’s team. She also worked as an assistant coach under the former head coach, Vera Pauw, and was the head coach of Glasgow City.
What achievements led to Eileen Gleeson’s full-time appointment?
Eileen Gleeson’s appointment as the full-time head coach was largely due to her impressive record during her interim tenure, where she guided the Republic of Ireland to six consecutive wins in the Nations League, earning the team promotion to League A.
What are Eileen Gleeson’s plans for the Republic of Ireland’s women’s team?
As the head coach, Gleeson’s immediate focus is on preparing the team for the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship qualifiers. She plans to start with an international training camp in February and is assembling a new coaching and support team.
What was the selection process for the new head coach of Ireland’s women’s team?
The selection process, led by the FAI’s Director of Football Marc Canham, involved a global search and extensive interviews. Eileen Gleeson emerged as the outstanding candidate, particularly after her successful start in the UEFA Nations League and her vision for the team’s future.
More about Eileen Gleeson Appointment
- Republic of Ireland Women’s Football Team
- UEFA Women’s European Championship
- Eileen Gleeson’s Coaching Career
- Nations League Success
- Football Association of Ireland (FAI)
5 comments
So glad to see her get the full time gig, she’s done wonders for the team! Ireland’s got a bright future ahead.
wow, Eileen Gleeson is realy making waves in women’s football, 6 wins? thats impressive!!
interesting to see FAI’s process in picking a coach, looks like they really did their homework this time. Gleeson’s track record speaks for itself.
Finally, some good news for our national team, Gleeson’s the real deal, can’t wait to see how she does in the Euro qualifiers.
not sure why they didn’t keep Pauw though? was her record that bad? Gleeson’s great but still…