By Ian Gordon
Wales have begun the search for a new manager after Rob Page was sacked.
FAW bosses called time on Page’s three-and-a-half year tenure following the failure to qualify for the Euro 2024 finals.
The 49-year-old’s fate was all but sealed following this month’s defeat to Slovakia and drab draw with Gibraltar in friendlies.
It has been a journey we can all be proud of from the euros to taking Wales to a World Cup for the first time since 58. I personally just want to thank you for all you have done for me You have been a privilege to work with, a gentleman and true family man. Myself and the team… pic.twitter.com/0m8uAfjQ34
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) June 21, 2024
Osian Roberts, who has guided Como back to Serie A in Italy having been as assistant to Chris Coleman, will be among the favourites to take over.
Former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper had also been linked with the job as FAW chiefs spends days discussing Page’s future, but he has just been installed as Leicester City’s new manager.
Dave Adams, the FAW’s chief football officer, said: “I would like to thank Rob for his work with the association over the last seven years, firstly as the under-21s head coach and then onto the role of Cymru [Wales] head coach.”
Rob Page’s reign at end. Led Wales at two major tournaments but FAW patience ran out over results. Silence from Association after Gibraltar/Slovakia games was deafening.
— Phil Blanche (@philblanche) June 21, 2024
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “On behalf of myself and the entire FAW, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rob for his commitment and dedication to his roles for the national teams.
“Under Rob Page’s leadership, our Cymru men’s team has achieved significant milestones and victories which have created many incredible memories for our nation, most notably our first World Cup in 64 years.”
Page led Wales to a first World Cup in 64 years and guided them to the second round of Euro 2020 after taking over from Ryan Giggs.
But the delights at qualifying for Qatar was tempered by a disappointing exit in the group stage following defeats to Iran and England and a draw against the USA.
FA Wales Statementhttps://t.co/JG3l7NBUVL
— FA WALES (@FAWales) June 21, 2024
Page, whose contract ran until 2026, was heavily criticised for an embarrassing home defeat to Armenia in the Euro2024 qualifiers though Wales pulled off a stunning victory in Croatia.
But an agonising defeat on penalties to Poland in the playoffs denied Wales a place in Germany this summer paving the way for Wales to begin the search for a new manager.
Page’s successor will have a few months to prepare for the Nations League opener on September 6 against Turkey followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later.
