Breaking Eileen Gleeson named new permanent Ireland head coach

Eileen Gleeson has been named the new permanent head coach of the Republic of Ireland women's team.

Vera Pauw departed as boss at the end of August after the FAI made the decision not to extend her contract in the wake of the World Cup.

Gleeson - who previously served as Pauw's No 2 for a spell - took the reins on an interim basis, leading the Girls in Green into their first ever UEFA Nations League campaign as the association drew up a list of 12 candidates for the position.

Ireland racked up six wins out of six, scoring 20 goals and conceding just twice to win the group and earn promotion to League A. That success also means they will be one of the top seeds in the Euro 2025 qualifiers, which begin in April, with Ireland now guaranteed a place in the play-offs even if they finish bottom of their four-team group.

That excellent run of form has now earned Gleeson the gig, after she had initially insisted she had no interest in staying in the position beyond the UEFA Nations League campaign. She had been working as the FAI's head of women's and girls' football, and looked set to return to that role in 2024.

Instead, she will spend the next few weeks assembling her backroom team, with appointments to be confirmed in the new year, as the Girls in Green prepare for the spring's Euro 2025 qualifiers.

"For me, there is nothing greater than being Irish," said Gleeson.

"To have the opportunity to lead my country on the highest stage internationally and be entrusted with the responsibility of maximising the potential of this exciting team and future Ireland players is the proudest and most humbling moment of my life to date.

"Fresh from the experience of working with our fantastic players and staff during our recent UEFA Nations League