Former Ireland player Damien Delaney believes that Vera Pauw's impact on Ireland will only be appreciated as years pass by. This week, Pauw's contract with Ireland was not renewed after an FAI board meeting on Tuesday.
After discussions among FAI board members, the decision to part ways with the 60-year-old coach was reached. Many have criticised the FAI's choice not to renew Pauw's contract for the upcoming campaigns. Several individuals feel that the Ireland coach, who led Ireland to their inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup this year, was treated unfairly.
Republic of Ireland coach Vera Pauw will learn about her Ireland future today (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/SportsfileDelaney believes that the Dutch coach has left a legacy for future Irish managers and players. He envisions that Pauw's tenure as Ireland boss could become the women's equivalent of 'Italia 90'.
"Unless you are in the room and can sense the tone, delivery, and reception of conversations, it's challenging to take sides," said Delaney.
"There's been a noticeable disconnect, and typically, the manager is the one who faces the consequences.
"Her legacy will shine brighter over time.
"She shattered that glass ceiling. She's inspired a generation of young girls to embrace the sport.
"I remember as a young boy watching Italia '90 and USA '94. Those tournaments drew us into football and kindled our desire to become professional footballers.
"Hopefully, a generation of young girls will look back on Vera Pauw favorably."
Keith Tracey, also present in the Virgin studio, shared his perspective on Pauw's dismissal, suggesting that the conflict with Katie McCabe in their final group game against Nigeria made her removal inevitable.
During Ireland's last World Cup group game, a verbal exchange transpired between Ireland captain Katie McCabe and Pauw regarding substitutions. Post-game, Pauw remarked, "If Katie McCabe says that she wants a change, that doesn't mean she's the coach. Everybody was doing so well. And I said, 'What do you want, Katie? To take the best player off?' No."
Later that evening, McCabe tweeted a zipped-up emoji, fueling speculation that Ireland's players, including the captain, did not fully support retaining Pauw as the head coach.
Tracey believes that incident marked the end of Pauw's tenure as Ireland manager.
🗣️ "I think she's been harshly done by."
🗣️ "What we're seeing now is player power. It was untenable."
🗣️ "There's been a clear disconnect and invariably, the manager is the one who pays."
Keith and Damien react to the news that Vera Pauw's contract isn't being renewed." pic.twitter.com/Ulp5MRlQPH— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) August 30, 2023
"When you witness the situation with Katie McCabe - Katie McCabe raising her arms against Nigeria - you start to notice a bit of disrespect, perhaps some friction between the two," he added.
"That's natural. After spending a long time in a camp, that can occur. But you start to feel that some of the stronger personalities in the dressing room began to oppose her. When that happens, typically there's only one victor.
"Normally, the manager wins those battles, but when the manager's contract is expiring or up for renewal soon, player influence might tip the scales.
"To be fair, that hasn't affected their performance on the field.
"I don't think anyone was watching Ireland play and thinking, 'something's amiss here.'
"From my perspective, they were playing for her, performing well, but now it seems the situation has become untenable.
"I don't believe she could remain in the role. I don't think anyone is surprised by the news."
