For Ireland centurion Diane Caldwell, the experience of playing at the Aviva stadium last autumn has provided some joy after a difficult World Cup campaign.
Ahead of the Irish team's friendly against Italy this Friday in the Aviva, Diane Caldwell discussed playing under Eileen Gleeson's management after Vera Pauw's departure last year. Caldwell plays central defence and currently holds an astonishing 100 caps for Ireland. She was also one of the few members of the Irish team to speak openly on her issues with former Ireland manager Vera Pauw last year.
The Republic of Ireland defender publicly criticised the coaching philosophy of the former manager in a press conference last year after the team's historic run to a first-ever Women's World Cup, claiming that their success was solely due from the players, 'in spite' of Pauw.
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Before her critical comments on Pauw's coaching, Caldwell had played an essential, recurring role in Ireland's defence before Pauw moved Megan Connolly into defence for the Women's World Cup. Caldwell made one brief stoppage time appearance during the World Cup.
For me, my thinking was I missed out on playing the biggest stage of the World Cup and that really, really hurt me. When Eileen came in and gave me the chance to start, I just wanted to enjoy playing again. I just wanted to embrace having the jersey on my back again, playing in front of the Irish fans. A big moment for me was the Aviva game. I really just wanted to do it for myself, to just focus on things I can control, focus on playing well, and enjoy being out there with the girls again. To be honest, I really missed that for a long time.
Career After Playing Football
Caldwell also discussed the prospect of returning in a non-coaching role after her experience thus far playing football with Ireland. She revealed that it's a possibility she considers often during her career:
It's something that I've always thought about, and I've tried to equip myself for, in that terrible time where you'd have to hang up your football boots. I've been doing my coaching licenses, and starting that pathway to get ready for that next stage. What area I'd like to go in- we'll see what happens. I'm quite interested in the actual coaching, being on the grass and being with players on a one-on-one basis. In terms of an administration position, or Eileen's role, I don't see myself in that position but you can never know what doors may open up. With time, your opinions or opportunities might change. I definitely want to give back to football, especially in Ireland. It's very important to me and I'm very passionate about developing the next generation and future age groups. I hope with what I've experienced as a player that I might help in someway.
Returning to Balbriggan
Coming from Balbriggan, Caldwell discussed the development of her club since the beginning of her playing career and her last trip back to the town:
I actually visited when I was back last in January. I went back to my local club, Balbriggan FC. It's been transformed since I was a player there, when I was there we had lorry containers as our changing room. Now they have a clubhouse there with fantastic facilities, new pitches and an all weather pitch. It was really nice there to go back and meet everyone involved with the underage teams. I had a bit of an autograph signing and pictures with a lot of the kids, it was really nice. I always try to get back whenever I can, my parents still live there, so I'm back whenever I'm in Ireland really.
The Republic of Ireland Women's next fixture is a friendly against Italy on Friday, February 23rd at 5:15pm.
