Colin Bell appointed as new manager of the Irish women’s team

The FAI have hired Colin Bell as the new manager of the Republic of Ireland Women’s International Senior Team.

Sue Ronan had stepped down after six years in charge of the national side, and the FAI have chosen Bell as her replacement.

The 56 year old Englishman is an experienced manager, and won the Champions League with German side FFC Frankfurt in 2015.

Ireland are currently 34th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, and have yet to qualify for a major tournament, something which the Leicester native will be hoping to change.

Bell, who also had a playing career for German side Mainz, says he regards his new appointment “as a big honour”.

“I’m very proud to be given this opportunity to lead the Republic of Ireland women’s senior team and I regard it as a big honour,” said Bell.

“I will do my very best to help women’s football in Ireland continue to grow and to make it more attractive to young girls, who can have the dream of playing football at a high level.

“I want to help the women’s senior team to become role models for young girls to look up to and I want to instil the values of the FAI into this job as I aim to be as successful as I can be.

“It is a dream come true to be given the opportunity to become a national team coach and it is something during my 27 years coaching that I always wanted to be. Now, I’m looking forward to getting started.”

FAI CEO John Delaney also praised Bell:

“Colin will bring a fresh approach and a winning mentality, so I’m looking forward to the years ahead with Colin in charge of the Women’s Senior Team,” he said.