Méabh De Búrca believes the Republic of Ireland have got one of the best coaches that was available in Carla Ward, with competitive action for the side resuming in the UEFA Women's Nations League in just over a month's time.
Former Aston Villa boss Ward left her role with the Women's Super League club at the end of last season and now replaces Eileen Gleeson, who was not offered a new deal after Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2025.
Ward - who was part of the United States' coaching staff under Emma Hayes as they won gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris - will take charge with immediate effect ahead of the 2025 Nations League campaign, which starts with a home game against Turkey at Tallaght Stadium on 21 February.
Ward will be supported by assistant coach Alan Mahon, a former Ireland men's international who also worked in the WSL at Manchester City, and goalkeeping coach Emma Byrne - former Ireland women's captain and record appearance holder.
Former Ireland international De Búrca is pleased that the FAI have now somebody in place in good time ahead of the Nations League, while overall hailing an appointment that will see Ward in charge until the end of the 2027 World Cup campaign.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Game On, she said: "I think it's pretty positive to be honest. I know there has been a lot of scrutiny on the FAI over their managerial appointments, but the timeline here is satisfactory, it's good to have her in place a month ahead of the next game against Turkey.
"Those games (in the Nations League) hopefully will provide her with an opportunity to hit the ground running. She's the best of what was available out there."
During her time as a club manager, Ward will be familiar with many of the Irish players and, according to De Búrca will be looking to strengthen the squad by way of seeking out those who are eligible to play for Ireland.
"She has had great experience at Sheffield United, Birmingham and Aston Villa, most recently. She would have managed the likes of Anna Patten at Villa and Ruesha Littlejohn at Birmingham. I know that Anna, before she declared for Ireland, would have spoken to Carla about that decision.
"So that will be another aspect, in that Carla will be looking to recruit players that could be eligible to play for us, those that may have played underage for England. Any manager will always want to improve what they have, and with our recent retirements they will definitely be looking to improve."
It's a new day.
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) January 15, 2025
Introducing our Women’s National Team Head Coach, Carla Ward ☘️ pic.twitter.com/QCTwd6q0CL
And while developing home-based players will be key going forward, the new boss, because of the short-term nature of her contract, will be looking at what serves our needs best over the next 18 months or so.
Others in the association will be primarily tasked with developing the next conveyor belt of talent, says De Búrca.
"We need to look with what we have at home but from a manager's point of view, if she has a short-term contract and as much as she would like to say that she would like to develop grassroots, I don't think they can focus too much long-term," she said.
"To that end, the head of women's and girl's football role is vital, and that's where the focus should be medium to long-term, in developing the Premier Division."
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