Eileen Gleeson has landed the permanent Ireland women’s team job, despite previously distancing herself from the vacancy.
Chief executive Jonathan Hill last week confirmed the appointment would be announced pre-Christmas and Gleeson was firmly in consideration to be the 10th manager in the 50-year history of the national team.
The Dubliner stepped into the breach on an interim basis created by the association opting against renewing Vera Pauw’s contract on August 31.
Gleeson went on to oversee a perfect record of six wins during her UEFA Nations League B campaign, racking up 20 goals and only two against over the series against Hungary, Northern Ireland and Albania.
During that stellar campaign – which elevates Ireland to the top tier of Euro qualifiers next year – the FAI interviewed several candidates for the full-time post.
Director of Football Marc Canham enlisted the services of a recruitment agency and board members Packie Bonner and Niamh O’Mahony were also part of the interviewing delegation after field was reduced from the initial 12 to a shortlist.
Among the other contenders have been Alan Mahon, the former Ireland international and long-time assistant manager of Manchester City’s women’s team, along with Mo Marley, the ex-England international who has served in a number of England roles, including U21, U23 and interim senior coach before retiring from the English FA in 2020.
Jayne Ludlow, the Arsenal legend, who managed her native Wales and most recently operated at Manchester City’s head of youth, has also been linked.
Gleeson’s initial reluctance to upgrade from interim to permanent boss however didn’t dim her employers’ desire to talk her round to the concept.
Players have spoken openly about the calmness
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