For the Republic of Ireland, it may be a fresh start but there are still plenty of question marks after their World Cup adventure in the summer.
Despite the highs of reaching a first major tournament, Vera Pauw’s exit from the role of manager has been noisy to say the least and has rumbled on into the Nations League.
If anyone thought the topic of Pauw had been left in the summer, it was dismissed with aplomb with Diane Caldwell’s astonishing press conference on Monday, where she picked apart her former manager and said the team had qualified for the World Cup “in spite” of the Dutchwoman, not because of her.
Eileen Gleeson has been handed the reins on an interim basis, initially for the opening two games, and will be tasked with steadying the ship. She has said she does not want the job full-time, but there is a feeling that the Nations League could be an audition for the former Glasgow City and Peamount United manager.
It’s not all negative and the Republic squad is brimming with talent and players who will be out to prove a point.
While Northern Ireland are settled for the foreseeable, things are less clear for the Republic. However, they are heading into the Nations League off the back of a memorable World Cup and their opener against Northern Ireland is like a homecoming in what will be a historic first game at the Aviva Stadium.
The players, Gleeson and the FAI will be determined to park the outside noise and get the focus back on the pitch, no matter how difficult that may be.
With a direct link to qualification for the next Euros in Switzerland, the inaugural Nations League is an opportunity for both sides. Now it is time to see who will grasp it with both hands.