Carla Ward has revealed she rejected an offer to manage a Women's Super League club "a few weeks ago", and insisted she’s completely invested in guiding the Republic of Ireland to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Ward succeeded Eileen Gleeson as Ireland head coach in January.
She has a strong reputation in her native England having done impressive jobs at Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Aston Villa. The 41-year-old chose to step down as Villa boss a year ago to prioritise spending time with her young daughter.
International football therefore appeals to Ward because it allows her to have a healthy work-life balance, a point she reiterated when talking up her determination to improve the Girls in Green and the domestic game here.
"I'll tell you one thing, I was offered a WSL job a few weeks ago and I turned it down because I am loving what I am doing," Ward said after naming her squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Turkey and Slovenia.
"Listen, I really wanted the Ireland job. I turned down two other countries that offered me the job whilst I was in the interview process for Ireland because I wholeheartedly wanted to manage this country. So when I say I am in, I am in.
"I am talking long term to the board, not just around the next two games, but how we develop the League of Ireland - we've spoken a lot about that - so there is a bigger picture here. I have loved being here. There have been some challenges of course, but I love being here. I am proud to represent this country."
Ward was speaking on the same day Blackburn Rovers confirmed their women’s team has been pulled out of the Championship because owners Venky’s are unwilling to provide the funding necessary to fulfil the division’s license requirements.
Tyler Toland captains Blackburn, with Ward admitting the Donegal native is currently plotting a move away from Lancashire.
"The sad thing is that the women's game isn’t as far on as people like to think it is."
"I spoke to Tyler pre that coming out and post that coming out, but more about her movements and what she would like to do. She is an ambitious young player, she wants to be competing top end of the Championship for sure. She's not short of offers.
"I think she has put herself in a good position where she has performed and has people looking at her. There is a lot of disgruntlement going on in Blackburn, as I am sure people are aware but Tyler is Tyler, she will focus on her football and what is next."
Asked for her thoughts on Blackburn's plight, Ward added: "It’s sad, it’s sad, but it’s also difficult. I am understanding. When I was at Sheffield United, the same happened. They pulled the money.
"And the sad thing is that the women’s game isn’t as far on as people like to think it is, still. There are still clubs that maybe it is difficult for because women’s football doesn’t make any money for a football club yet.
"So, it is not right, at all, but it is probably the first area they look at and say this is costing us X, so unless you have real owners and a board who really care about the women’s game or giving females in the community an opportunity, it is always going to be the first to go, sadly."
Ward also confirmed that Ireland are waiting to see if assistant coach Amber Whiteley gets the Liverpool job ahead of the trip to Turkey. Whiteley is in the mix to become Matt Beard's permanent successor having managed the Merseysiders on an interim basis since the end of Fenruary.
"The (Liverpool) interviews concluded (on Monday)," said Ward. "There should be an outcome at the end of the week, so hopefully before she comes into camp. She is in camp with us. Everything is planned, prepped and ready to go. She has been a part of that. She should be ready to go.
"Yeah we've got options (to replace Whiteley if she gets the gig) for sure. Not telling you..."
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