Gleeson won’t be drawn on possible return to old role

IN Florence, a city of breath-taking architecture, Republic of Ireland women’s head coach Eileen Gleeson yesterday erected barriers about what she’s prepared to talk about this week.

When asked by Mail Sport about recent reports that her old job as the FAI’s Head of Women’s and Girls Football will be available to her after her tenure as manager ends, Gleeson could have clarified the situation. Instead, she stonewalled. The subject will be brought up again today when Marc Canham presents the FAI’s Pathways Plan to the media at Aviva Stadium. Canham, FAI director of football, recommended Vera Pauw should not be retained as Ireland boss, and, following a lengthy recruitment process, that Gleeson (right) should replace the Dutch native.

Canham will be fully aware of the small print in Gleeson’s contract as head coach, which runs until the end the 2025 European Championships, and whether it contains a clause that she returns to her former post after her time with the national team.

Until it is cleared up — the new FAI is all about transparency, remember — questions will persist.

For the moment, Gleeson’s focus is on the friendly with Italy in Florence on Friday. Talk of anything else is out of bounds, as Mail Sport found out in yesterday’s briefing via Zoom: Mail Sport: ‘Can we take it you are going back into that position (FAI Head of Women’s and Girls Football) after the Ireland job?’ Gleeson: ‘You can’t take anything. I just said I’m not talking about any roles. I’m here to talk about this camp and the preparation for the qualifiers. That’s as far as I’m going with that conversation. Mail Sport: ‘You’re not denying it?’

Gleeson: ‘I’m just not going into it. It’s as simple as that. I am here as the head coach of the women’s national team and you’re asking me about the head of women’s and girls’ football role. I just want to focus... If you want to ask any questions about the camp, feel free.

Mail Sport: ‘No, I want to ask about this. It has been reported that you are going back to it. The FAI have made no comment. We’re just looking for clarification. Are you going back to that job?’

Gleeson: ‘As I said, I am here to speak about preparation for this camp, that’s it.’ Mail Sport: ‘So no clarification?’ Gleeson: ‘As I said, ask me anything about this camp and the players and I am happy to answer you.’

Mail Sport: ‘I heard that. Thank you.’