Duggan: Pauw cloud lifted, but next appointment crucial

The passage of time will be kind on Vera Pauw's stint in charge of Ireland, but choosing her successor will be key to maintaining an upward trajectory for women's football, says former international Karen Duggan.

Pauw's reign ended last night after the FAI decided not to offer the Dutch woman a new contract, parting company with the 60-year-old after a meeting of the board.

Despite leading the Girls in Green to a maiden World Cup, her time at the helm was soured by allegations made around her stint at NWSL side Houston Dash.

Pauw has denied the allegations, while the tournament in Australia finished with a group stage exit and an on-field disagreement with captain Katie McCabe.

With growing speculation surrounding her position, RTÉ soccer analyst Duggan admitted she wasn’t surprised by the FAI announcement.

"There were rumblings before the World Cup she wanted to get the contract signed and then the article came out," she told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

"It wasn’t helped by how the World Cup ended, with unrest between her and the captain [Katie McCabe]. That brought about more questions and rumours. It caused a cloud over what should have been a constant celebration throughout the World Cup.

"It seemed like we were talking about anything but the football unfortunately.

"Reaching the World Cup can be never taken away from Vera. With the passage of time, her tenure will be looked back on very positively."

The FAI will now begin the process of finding Pauw's replacement ahead of Ireland's first Nations League clash against Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on 23 September.

Duggan insists that making the correct appointment has never been so important.

"We are at such an important point in our development. Getting to the World Cup