Ex-Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw is 'hurting' after her tenure as manager came to end on Tuesday night as the FAI decided not to renew her contract.
The Dutchwoman spent four years as Ireland Women's boss and led the side to their first ever World Cup finals. Reports state that the relationship between her and her players had broken down.
According to a source close to Pauw she is "very sad and disappointed that it’s over. On a human level, she's hurting,'
Irish players stayed silent on social media yesterday but some are believed to have contacted Pauw privately to offer their thanks and wish her the best for the future.
It is not known whether Katie McCabe was one of those who reached out. The Ireland skipper's fall-out with Pauw was the most high-profile and public manifestation of the issues behind the scenes.
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Despite these issues, Pauw still managed to achieve Ireland's highest ever world ranking of 22nd, though they have slipped slightly down to 24th. Comparisons have been drawn with Ireland Men's manager Stephen Kenny who has overseen a gradual worsening of his side's position. They've slipped from 34th to 53rd over the last three years.
With an extension to Pauw's contract, the FAI risked a revolt from players some of whom had threatened to quit if their voices were not heard. Currently there have been no international retirements.
It is understood that the FAI have a preference for a male candidate but this hasn't been decided. Manchester City's WSL assistant coach and former Ireland international Alan Mahon is a potential candidate as is current San Diego Wave manager Casey Stoney. The FAI also have a desire for the new manager to connect with the under-age international set-up.
Eileen Gleeson will take interim charge for the opening Nations League games at home to Northern Ireland on September 23 and home to Hungary three days later. The next camp begins on September 17.
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