Aoife Mannion, the defender for the Republic of Ireland, calls the resignations of assistant coach Colin Healy and manager Eileen Gleeson “surprising.”
Gleeson and Healy did not have their contracts renewed after the Republic’s Euro 2025 play-off defeat by Wales in December.
Carla Ward will take charge of her first game of the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League opener against Turkey on Friday and has been replaced by Gleeson.
“I really liked Colin, as I liked Eilo]Gleeson]”, Mannion told RTE.
After reviewing the unsuccessful bid to the Euros, FAI director of football Marc Canham, who claimed no guarantees were provided and that it was “purely a football decision,” rejected this.
Mannion said she was “saddened” to read Healy’s statement and that he was “someone of high integrity and commitment”.
Healy, who lost his wife earlier in 2024, was “really inspiring for us as a team,” the Manchester United defender added.
“I wish Colin all the best. I only want great things for him and Eilo, both of whom I had a really positive relationship with.
I believe that if the FAI wants to be a truly inclusive and open organization, they will want to have a look inside and ensure that everything has been done and will be done accordingly to reduce the amount of times where there is no lack of clarity and communication.
Ward, the new boss, is “ambitious and hungry.”
Former Aston Villa manager Ward has taken over Gleeson’s first game against Turkey on Friday before her scheduled trip to Slovenia on Tuesday.
Mannion said she was “really looking forward” to playing under Ward, who has a contract through to the end of the 2027 World Cup campaign.
“I’ve not played under her but I’ve spoken to her and she seems really excited, ambitious and hungry for the team to do well”, said Mannion.
She’s likely to introduce herself to us all and share her plans and visions for the coming years.
The Republic will be without the experienced trio of Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell, who all retired from international duty after the play-off defeat.
Mannion said they were “massive, massive characters who won’t ever be replaced”.
“Niamh Fahey and Diane Caldwell were massive role models as defenders and people for me, personally”, added the 29-year-old.
From the moment she first arrived at camp to where she ended up, Julie-Ann Russell had a year that no one could have written.
Related topics
- Republic of Ireland Women’s Football Team
- Northern Ireland Sport
- Football
- Women’s Football
- Irish Football
Source: BBC
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