Former Distinguished Aston Villa figure alloted as Ireland’s team manager

Carla Ward, a distinguished figure in women’s football management, has been appointed as the head coach of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) announced her appointment on January 15, 2025, with a contract extending through the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.

Ward’s coaching career has been marked by significant achievements across various clubs. She began her managerial journey with Sheffield United in 2018, leading the team to a commendable fifth-place finish in the FA Women’s Championship during the 2018–19 season and improving to second place in the 2019–20 season. In 2020, she took charge of Birmingham City, where she was instrumental in steering the team away from relegation, earning a nomination for the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) Manager of the Season. Her most recent role was with Aston Villa, where she guided the team to their best-ever WSL finish—fifth place in the 2022–23 season—and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Under her leadership, striker Rachel Daly secured the WSL Golden Boot.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Ward stated, “I’m hugely excited to get going with the Ireland Women’s National Team. This is an unbelievable opportunity, not just with the National Team but in helping to add to the fantastic work being done to develop women and girls’ football.”

FAI Chief Football Officer Marc Canham praised Ward’s appointment, noting, “To be able to secure such a top-quality coach is a statement of our ambition for … .” He emphasized her experience and ability to elevate those around her as key factors in her selection.

Ward’s tenure begins with a UEFA Nations League home game against Turkey at Tallaght Stadium on February 21, 2025. She will be supported by assistant coach Alan Mahon, a former Ireland international with over a decade of experience as assistant manager at Manchester City Women’s Team, and goalkeeping coach Emma Byrne, the team’s record appearance holder.

The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team is aiming to build upon their recent experiences, including their debut at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where they faced strong competition but did not advance past the group stage. With Ward’s leadership, the team aspires to qualify for upcoming major tournaments and continue the development of women’s football in Ireland.