Manager Gleeson to leave Republic of Ireland role

Gleeson was appointed permanent Republic of Ireland manager in December 2023

Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson will not be offered a new contract by the Football Association of Ireland after the side failed to qualify for Euro 2025.

Initially appointed on an interim basis in August 2023 to replace Vera Pauw, the former Peamount United manager was made permanent boss in December of last year but defeat to Wales in last week's play-off second leg saw her side miss out on a place in Switzerland this summer.

Drawn against three of the game's heavyweights in England, Sweden, and France, Republic of Ireland finished bottom of their 2024 Nations League group, although did enjoy a memorable win over the latter in Cork.

Their status as a League A side, however, still meant they were guaranteed a play-off place and they eased past Georgia 9-0 on aggregate to set up that two-legged tie with Wales.

After a 1-1 draw in Cardiff, a 2-1 defeat in the deciding leg at the Aviva Stadium marked both a failure to make it to successive major tournaments after last year's World Cup and the end of Gleeson's current contract.

She avoided discussing her future in the aftermath of the loss but, after a meeting of the FAI board and following a review, it was decided not to offer a new deal.

FAI chief football officer Marc Canham said: "It is important to recognise the leadership that Eileen brought to our women's national team in topping our League B in the UEFA Nations League, guiding them into the qualifying play-offs for Euro 2025 and continuing to build on the legacy that has developed over recent years."

The FAI have said the search for Gleeson's successor will begin "immediately".

Taking over after the World Cup in Australia last year, Eileen Gleeson could not lead Republic of Ireland to a second major tournament

Analysis - Gleeson still has much to offer

BBC Sport NI's Andy Gray

Just 16 months after Eileen Gleeson's appointment as Vera Pauw's successor, on an interim basis before a permanent deal, the FAI are back on the managerial hunt.

After the turbulent exit of Pauw, Gleeson came in and steadied the ship, and was a popular figure within the dressing room.

There had been elements of progress on the pitch, and the famous win over France in Cork will live long in the memory.

However, the ultimate goal was Euro 2025 qualification and the Republic fell short in what can only be described as a missed opportunity.

In saying that, it would be a shame if there was not a role for Gleeson down the line given her work with girls' and women's football in the Republic of Ireland.

There's no doubt she has more to offer the sport she loves so much but, after Wednesday's announcement, it won't be as her country's senior manager.