Wales has made the decision to part ways with manager Rob Page after his three and a half year tenure. Page, 49, led the team to their first World Cup in 64 years and guided them to the second round of Euro 2020. However, the recent failure to qualify for Euro 2024, coupled with disappointing friendly matches against Gibraltar and Slovakia, led to the decision to let him go.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) deliberated for over a week before reaching the conclusion that a change in leadership was necessary. Despite initial support from the FAW after the Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to Armenia, Page’s position became untenable following the loss to Poland in the play-off final.
Dave Adams, the FAW’s chief football officer, expressed gratitude for Page’s contributions over the past seven years, acknowledging his role in achieving significant milestones for the national team. FAW chief executive Noel Mooney also thanked Page for his dedication and commitment to the team.
Page took over as Wales manager in November 2020 on a temporary basis before being appointed permanently. During his time in charge, he helped Wales secure promotion in the Nations League and guided them through the group stages of Euro 2020. Despite a play-off win against Ukraine, Wales had a disappointing World Cup campaign in Qatar, exiting after the group stage.
The decision to part ways with Page comes ahead of the Nations League opener against Turkey in September and the start of World Cup qualifying in spring 2025. The search for a new manager will now begin as Wales look to build on the progress made under Page’s leadership.
As Wales moves forward, the focus will be on finding a manager who can lead the team to continued success on the international stage. The upcoming qualifiers and tournaments will provide an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to create new memories for Welsh football fans.