Osian Roberts rules himself out of race to be new Wales manager

Osian Roberts has ruled himself out of the race to be the next Wales football manager.

The former Wales assistant coach - who served as an assistant to former Wales bosses Gary Speed, Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs - has confirmed he will not be succeeding Rob Page, who was sacked in June following disappointing friendlies against Gibraltar and Slovakia.

The Football Association of Wales is in the early stages of its search for a new manager.

Roberts, who left the FAW in 2019 to spend two years as Crystal Palace assistant manager, guided second-tier Italian outfit Como into Serie A last season and has committed his future to the club, adding that he was grateful to be approached by the FAW about the position.

Posting on social media, Roberts said: "I would like to thank the Football Association of Wales for expressing an interest in approaching me regarding the role of Wales national team manager.

"As an incredibly passionate and proud Welshman I would love to become manager of Wales one day.

"Currently, however, I am on an incredible journey with Como 1907 having helped lead them to an historical promotion to Serie A.

"I am committed to this wonderful club and our exciting project until at least 2026 and am forever thankful for their support and faith in me.

"I wish the Welsh national team every success as it embarks on another exciting chapter, of which I have the most wonderful memories.

"To the Red Wall and all the Welsh fans with whom I have gone through so much, the tears and the joy, I would like to thank you genuinely for the support I have always had from you and especially in recent weeks. Diolch."

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and ex-Wales striker Craig Bellamy are among the names reportedly being considered considered to replace Page.

Wales' Nations League campaign begins against Turkey on 6 September.

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