The report says the FAI has begun the process of finding a replacement. That search comes during Ward’s first period in charge and with qualification preparations becoming increasingly important.
An assistant can play a major role in turning a manager’s plans into daily work on the training pitch, as well as providing continuity for players. A new appointment would therefore need to settle quickly and establish a strong working relationship with Ward and the squad.
Cronin, appointed earlier this year, called the experience “an honour” and praised the players and staff. His brief spell is also credited in the report with helping Ireland reach the play-offs, including wins against Poland and the Netherlands. Those results give the next assistant a platform to build on, but the immediate task is keeping preparations on track through another change behind the scenes.
Ireland are due to face Kazakhstan in the first round in October, the report says. A victory would set up a potential decider against Belgium or Poland, making the opening tie a significant hurdle in the route to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The appointment will be worth watching not only for its timing, but for the experience and approach the candidate brings to a high-pressure qualification campaign. Ireland’s next storyline is whether Ward can add the right voice to her staff before the play-offs begin-and help the team turn its recent progress into another World Cup place.