While Carla Ward's Republic of Ireland WNT appointment press conference was dominated by talk of Colin Healy's dispute over his departure from the FAI, the ex-Aston Villa boss made very clear the intentions for her tenure.
The main, and obvious, goal is to make the World Cup in 2027, but with only 11 slots available for European nations, Ward has a tough task ahead but explained that the "Irish mentality" may make the lofty goal that bit easier to achieve.
"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," Ward told RTÉ Sport during a press conference at the Aviva this afternoon.
Ward also stated her short-term intentions and plans to be as visible as possible in the run up to her first game in charge in the Nations League against Türkiye on 21 February and emphasised the importance of developing pathways to the national team.
"First of all, we need to get amongst the players. There's a lot to do. The camps coming around so quickly, it's really important that we look at players. We get to games, starting this weekend, as soon as the League of Ireland starts, get over here, look at players.
"We have to be looking at as many games as possible in this period.
New Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward spoke to the press for the first time at the Aviva Stadium today, but a dispute over the nature of the departure of previous assistant Colin Healy loomed large. pic.twitter.com/ZoCy522p3H
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) January 16, 2025
"We need to go and probably meet clubs over here as well, make sure we're visible and they understand that actually, there is a pathway to the national team."
Julie-Ann Russell is among only a few League of Ireland players that get game-time currently with Ireland. Ward made a point of ensuring that the Galway United forward was among the many on her call list last night.
"I took the phone, hid myself away in the room, and rang quite a lot of staff and players," Ward continued.
"I reached out to Julie-Ann last night because, as a fellow mum, I think it's important that she understands my take and how we can help her as a mum as well, and that's going to be really important.
"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 ex-Sheffield United player turned manager explained that her motivation to bridge the gap between the League of Ireland and the WNT is driven in part by being a mother herself.
"I put something to the board on how we can bridge the gap, how I believe that we can see those players a little bit more and give them an opportunity.
"I've got a five-year-old that I hope that has 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."
Ward confirmed that she is choosing to keep her family in England, but said that she is still passionate about the development of the game in Ireland.
There have been a host of retirees announced since the squad's failure to qualify for this summer's Euros, including Diane Caldwell and Niamh Fahey, meaning recruitment is at the forefront of Ward's mind.
"How do we find a centre-forward with Irish heritage? And being really honest, we've reached out to quite a few agents this morning to try and find out a few in particular.
"In America, there is loads of dual nationalities... We need to score goals, 100%."
