Vera Pauw signs contract extension to continue as WNT manager

The Football Association of Ireland have announced that Vera Pauw has signed a two-year contract extension which will see her lead the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

In a statement released by the FAI they said: Appointed in September 2019, Vera has had a hugely positive impact on the national team and narrowly missed out on clinching a Play-Off spot for the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championships with record crowds at Tallaght Stadium and every game broadcast on live television."

Pauw will be assisted by Eileen Gleeson and goalkeeping coach Jan Willem van Ede who have also extended their contracts.

The former Dutch international made 89 appearances for her country between 1984-1998 before taking a series of international management jobs including Scotland and the Netherlands.

The 58-year-old was delighted to sign the new deal.

“I’m excited to continue in my role with the Republic of Ireland team and with the FAI. We made huge strides in our last campaign and there is no reason why we cannot build on that with the core of players that we currently have and more young players coming through.

“The support of the Irish fans has been extremely heart-warming. We got to see how they can have a positive impact on the team when we had such a large crown in Tallaght for our games against Montenegro and Greece,” she added.

Ireland’s European hopes were dashed following back to back defeats against Ukraine and Germany to finish the qualifying campaign in 3rd place.

FAI CEO Jonathan Hill welcomed the news of Vera’s extended deal and said: “I’m delighted to have agreed this contract extension with Vera as we all look forward with huge excitement and optimism for the upcoming World Cup qualification bid.”

Hill added: “This is a significant step in the development not just of our national team but for women’s football in Ireland overall.”

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter believes Pauw proved in her first campaign in charge that she is the right manager to lead Ireland to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand. 

“When you look at what Vera has achieved in football, as a player and in management, she is one of the best in the world. The impact that Vera had on the team in 2019 and 2020 was clear to see.”

The Qualifying Draw for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will take place on April 30th with the fixtures set to begin in September.

Bray make three additions to First Division squad https://t.co/cFUsbI4ENbpic.twitter.com/tKnBALa9Pu

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) February 22, 2021