FAI Announce Carla Ward As New Women’s National Team Head Coach

Image Credit: FAI

Following a disappointing end to the Euros Qualifying Campaign, Eileen Gleeson failed to have her contract renewed as manager of the women’s national team. Now, after weeks of rumours, her successor has been announced.

Carla Ward has been named as the new Head Coach of the Irish Women’s National Team. Ward has signed on in a deal that will see her remain in the top job through the end of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign. She was formally unveiled on Thursday January 16 at the Aviva Stadium. 

Ward fills the seat left behind by Eileen Gleeson, whose contract wasn’t renewed following a narrow defeat to Cymru in the qualifying playoff final for Euro 2025. Ward will kick off her new role in Tallaght Stadium on February 21 in a Nations League clash with Türkiye.

The 41 year old, who was born in the Isle of Wight, joins Ireland after a successful summer as part of the staff for the United States’ Women’s National Team, who took home the gold medal at the Olympics in Paris. During that success she worked under former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. Prior to that she had been manager of Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League, England’s top flight. She spent two years at Villa before resigning in May 2024. Villa’s Director of Football, Damian Vidgany, was full of praise for Ward upon her resignation, saying

“In my opinion, Carla is one of the best managers in women’s football, and we are sad to see her go”.

Before her time at Aston Villa, Ward had managed two other WSL sides. She began managing Sheffield United in January 2018 before moving to Birmingham City in August of 2020. Having taken over in the middle of a relegation battle, she was shortlisted for the WSL Manager of the Year award at the end of the season after managing to keep the side up. Ward is currently working towards her UEFA Pro License, the top coaching qualification in football.

Two familiar faces to Irish football fans have already signed on to be part of Ward’s staff. Alan Mahon will serve as assistant coach. The former Republic of Ireland and Burnley player has previously served as interim manager for Manchester City Women. Emma Byrne meanwhile will be the team’s goalkeeping coach. Byrne is the Women’s National Team’s all time top appearance maker, having 134 caps at international level. She previously worked on Eileen Gleeson’s staff. 

Speaking as part of the announcement on Wednesday, Ward said,

“Over the next two and a half years, as we build towards the World Cup, we can make a real difference and I’m looking forward to getting started”. 

Marc Canham, the FAI Chief Football Officer, said “We are thrilled to announce a Head Coach of Carla’s pedigree. To be able to secure such a top quality coach is a statement of where our ambition for our Women’s National Team can go”. 

Ward has previously signed a number of Irish players during her managerial career, including bringing Anna Patten and Ruesha Littlejohn to Aston Villa. Her appointment comes after a busy week in WNT news, with Niamh Fahey and Diane Caldwell both having announced their retirement from international football.