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New Ireland Manager Carla Ward Details Role Emma Hayes Played In Her Appointment

New Ireland Manager Carla Ward Details Role Emma Hayes Played In Her Appointment
Eoin Harrington
By Eoin Harrington Updated
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Carla Ward was unveiled to the Irish media and public at a press conference in the Aviva Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Ward was announced as Eileen Gleeson's successor on Wednesday afternoon, with her contract running through to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

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Speaking to the Irish media, Ward said she felt her ethos was perfect for the national team and that it was a "perfect match."

First of all, I’ve been really fortunate to coach some great players over the years, many of them Irish.

I’ve always loved the Irish mentality and loved to play with Irish players - even if the ones I played with were a little wild. I think anyone that knows me, certainly anyone who knows what I’ve done in England, will know that I’m very passionate.I’d like to think that I’ve got a little bit of an Irish mentality.

I thought it was the right mix at the right time for me and…I’m going to say it, I think it’s the perfect match, to be honest.

Ward also said that she would endeavour to make the environment surrounding the Ireland players as positive as possible.

The former Aston Villa manager said that she hoped her side would play positive football, and that a happy environment was the best way to achieve this.

"I think I’ve proven at all three clubs I’ve been at, I like to be in a team that’s exciting to play in, exciting to watch," Ward said, "I think that’s been through all the clubs I’ve been at.

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"We like players to play with a smile on their face, number one. My whole career has been based around people and it has to be about people rather than players and getting the best out of them. I think if we can create an environment where people enjoy coming in…it’s easier said than done but I think it’s really important that we can get the best out of them and maximise their potential."

Ward also confirmed that she had received some words of encouragement from Emma Hayes during the interview process.

READ HERE: Who Is Carla Ward? FAI Confirm New Ireland WNT Head Coach

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Carla Ward says she spoke to Emma Hayes about taking Ireland role

Carla Ward Ireland

16 January 2025; New Republic of Ireland women's head coach Carla Ward poses for a portrait before a media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Carla Ward's most recent job prior to taking on her new role with Ireland was as part of Emma Hayes' coaching staff for the US WNT on their run to gold at the Paris Olympics.

One of the most respected figures in women's football, Hayes won seven WSL titles and five FA Cups as manager of Chelsea and guided them to the 2021 Champions League final.

Ward confirmed that she had leant on Hayes during the FAI interview process and that her guidance had been invaluable in landing the Irish job.

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Emma's been an unbelievable mentor and a big assistance for me for quite some time now - somebody I've leaned on in a lot of moments in my career, and she's guided, she's helped me.

Yeah, we had conversations. She was probably the one person that knew throughout the whole process. Obviously, somebody that guided me and gave me some very good advice, particularly ahead of the last interview, so yeah, she's been unbelievable for me and I can't thank her enough.

There have been some blows to the Irish team in recent weeks, with the experienced defensive pair of Niamh Fahey and Diane Caldwell announcing their retirements from international football.

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Ward paid tribute to the departing duo and revealed that she was hoping to find a place for them in the new Irish setup.

"They're two unbelievable figures and people that I've played against and had a good relationship with over the years," Ward said.

"I think there are opportunities where we can utilise them if I'm honest. They don't know that yet, but it is something that we've discussed.

"I think there'll be holes left off the pitch, from a culture point of view when you take those folks out of the environment. I'll be tapping into them whether they're here or not, I think that's going to be important."

The spine of the team that reached the 2023 World Cup in Australia is nonetheless intact, and Ward confirmed that she has already spoken with several of the senior players in the Ireland setup.

She also confirmed that she and her team of Emma Byrne and Alan Mahon will immediately begin watching as many games as possible in preparation for next month's UEFA Nations League double-header against Turkey and Slovenia.

Ward also said that she had plans for how to better integrate the Women's League of Ireland with the national team setup, and that engaging with clubs and WLOI players was a priority for her and her team.

I think from for me, the sooner we can get into League of Ireland clubs and show them that we have a plan, and what that plan looks like [the better]. Certainly I put something to the board on how we can bridge the gap, how I believe that we can see those players a a little bit more and give them an opportunity.

I've got a five year old that I hope has got a pathway wherever she is, and we've got to make sure that all the girls growing up in Ireland know there's a pathway.

There is plenty of work to come for Carla Ward but an air of optimism pervaded from her comments in the Aviva on Thursday afternoon. The road that fans hope will end in Brazil for the 2027 World Cup begins today.

Carla Ward's first game in charge of the Ireland WNT comes on February 21st against Turkey in Tallaght Stadium.

Eoin Harrington reporting from the Aviva Stadium

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