DIANE HAS AN EYE ON CAREER AS MANAGER

DIANE CALDWELL is preparing for a career in coaching – and she says she wants to give back to Irish football when the “terrible time” comes to hang up her boots.

The FC Zurich defender (above) is in no rush to call it a day, even though she turns 36 later this year, but she has a plan in place all the same.

She hopes her experience can help with the continued growth of women’s football.

Caldwell, who last year became the seventh Irish player to cross the 100-cap threshold, has played in the USA, Iceland, Norway, Germany, England and now Switzerland.

Asked about life after football, she said: “It’s something I’ve thought about, something I’ve tried to equip myself for, for that terrible time when you have you hang up your boots.

“I’ve been doing my coaching licences, starting the pathway to get ready for that next stage.

“What sort of area I’d like to go in, we’ll see what happens. I’m very interested in the actual coaching, being on the grass, being with players on one on one basis.

“In terms of administration position, you mentioned Eileen’s role (Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football) or something, I couldn’t see myself in that position, but you can never know in football what doors may open up.

“With time, your opinion, or opportunities might change, I’m open to anything.

“Obviously, I definitely want to give back to football, especially in Ireland. That is really important for me.

“I’m very passionate about that, to develop the next generation and the younger age groups because I hope with what I’ve experienced that maybe I can help in some way.

“It’s definitely something I’m thinking about.”