Brian Sorensen Joins Republic of Ireland Women's Team for World Cup

Brian Sorensen is set to step back onto the international stage – this time in green.

The former Everton manager will join the Republic of Ireland women’s set-up this year as an assistant coach for their Women’s World Cup play-off qualifiers, adding a sharp tactical mind to a staff gearing up for knockout football. He will work alongside Liverpool coach Amber Whiteley in a revamped backroom team designed for pressure games and fine margins.

Crucially, Sorensen is not leaving club football behind. He is expected to retain his role as technical director with Aston Villa Women and link up with Ireland during international breaks, a dual commitment that underlines his growing reputation across the women’s game.

There is another familiar face in the Irish camp. Sorensen will reunite with Carla Ward, now in charge of the Republic of Ireland and previously his touchline rival in the Women’s Super League when she managed Villa and he led Everton. Their past meetings were tight, tactical affairs; now those competing ideas will be thrown into the same dressing room, not opposite dugouts.

Upcoming Matches

Ireland’s task is clear and unforgiving. Kazakhstan await in the first round of play-off qualifying, a two-legged tie scheduled for 9 and 13 October. Two games to keep a World Cup dream alive, two games to justify a bold move in the dugout.