Rob Page sacked as Wales manager

Wales manager Rob Page has been sacked after three-and-a-half years in charge.

The decision comes after the side's failure to qualify for Euro 2024, which is currently taking place in Germany.

FAW President Steve Williams publicly backed Page in the aftermath of that disappointment and insisted he'd remain in post for the rest of his contract, which ran into 2026.

But since then, two dismal performances in friendly matches against Gibraltar and Slovakia saw the fanbase lose patience with the manager.

FAW chiefs have been deliberating over their next move for the last week and have decided change is needed.

Dave Adams, FAW Chief Football Officer, said: “I would like to thank Rob for his work with the Association over the last seven years, firstly as the U21s Head Coach and then onto the role of Cymru Head Coach.

“Rob’s work has delivered success reaching the Round of 16 at EURO 2020 and qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and during his period we also integrated 18 pathway players into the senior squad.

"As we move forward this experience will support our objective to consistently qualify our Men’s National Team to major tournaments.”

Noel Mooney, FAW Chief Executive Officer added: “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.

“We remain focused on our FAW value of ‘Excellence’ and look forward to the opportunities for our national teams and Welsh Football.”

Rob Page has been in charge of the national side since November 2020 Credit: PA

Page took over as Wales manager from Ryan Giggs in November 2020 on a temporary basis before being handed a permanent contract in 2022.

During his time in charge, the 49-year-old managed the team at Euro 2020 and led Wales to its first World Cup finals in 64 years when they qualified for the global gathering in Qatar in 2022.

But a disappointing showing at the World Cup, followed by an embarrassing home defeat to Armenia in Euro 2024 qualifying ramped up pressure on Page.

A galvanising win over Croatia bought more time but failure to reach the Finals this summer was unpalatable for many.

The former defender was in charge for 45 games -winning 15, drawing 15 and losing 15.

Wales' next match is against Turkey in the Nations League in September. Qualification for the next World Cup begins in 2025.

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