Mixed reaction to the decision not to renew Vera Pauw's contract

Tuesday night's decision by the FAI not to offer Vera Pauw a new contract was always likely to divide opinion.

The Dutchwoman had led Ireland to their first ever World Cup and had overseen a marked increase in exposure and support for the women's side over her four-year term.

The reaction on Wednesday morning has ranged from expressions of gratitude for Pauw's achievements to questioning of the role of player power in the decision to end her term.

PFAI representative Stuart Gilhooly tweeted that the absence of a detailed statement explaining the reasoning behind the FAI's decision was leading to unfair speculation.

"FAI need to step up here. The players made their views known (as is right) and the Board made their decision, the correct one, in my view. We need an explanation of their reasons for the decision in order avoid more speculation which tends to blow back on players."

FAI need to step up here. The players made their views known (as is right) and the Board made their decision, the correct one, in my view. We need an explanation of their reasons for the decision in order avoid more speculation which tends to blow back on players. https://t.co/czej7itZrU

Gilhooly was responding to a quote of a tweet from Sinn Féin spokesperson on sport Chris Andrews who had said the next manager would need to be 'careful of some players'.

Andrews tweeted: 

"Can’t help feeling that Vera Pauw has been treated poorly.

"Pauw lead this group to a World Cup and performed well.

"Big part of the transformation of Women’s Football and next manager takes over a really strong squad.

"Although new manager will have to be careful of some players."

Can’t help feeling that Vera Pauw has been treated poorly.
Pauw lead this group to a World Cup and