Ryan Giggs named as new Wales manager

Ryan Giggs is the new manager of Wales, the Football Association of Wales has announced.

They announced the news via social media.

Giggs, 44, was the clear favourite for the role since he declared his interest in the job last month, saying: "I've played for Wales and I've said that I want to go back into coaching.Obviously that is one of the top jobs."

The former Wales and Manchester United winger will begin what he has described as "one of the top jobs" in coaching.

This will be Giggs' first permanent job in management.

Giggs won 64 Wales caps between 1991 and 2007, but having been out of football for 18 months since leaving the coaching staff at Manchester United, he has big boots to fill.

Chris Coleman, who managed Wales for six years, became the most successful manager in Welsh football history after he guided the country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 - Wales' first major tournament for 58 years.

But Coleman's departure to Championship strugglers Sunderland in November, came on the back of Wales failing to qualify for this summer's World Cup in Russia.

Giggs' contract, which will take in the Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup campaigns, is understood to have been tied up over the weekend.

Giggs was interviewed for the Wales job last week, as was his former international team-mate Craig Bellamy, Osian Roberts, Coleman's former assistant who is also the FAW's technical director, and former Wales defender Mark Bowen.

Giggs’ first game in charge will be in the 2018 China Cup against the hosts on 22 March in Nanning.

He revealed he had sought counsel from another former United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Giggs understands his status as one of Wales' greatest ever players is no guarantee he will succeed as the national team's boss.

Giggs appreciates his appointment may not be to everybody's taste, but believes the best way to win over doubters is through hard work and success.

Giggs confirmed he had yet to appoint any of his backroom team following a "whirlwind 24 hours", but added: "I've got a few ideas and whoever it will be they will give their all and be professional and organised."

One of the names touted as a possible contender to join the new coaching set-up is the FAW's technical director Osian Roberts, Coleman's former assistant who had also been in the running for the Wales job.

Giggs said: "There's a conversation to be had. What Osian has done for Welsh football over the years, and will continue to do in his technical director role...

"I know him, I know how he feels about Welsh football, the passion, and we'll speak in the near future.