ROB PAGE has been sacked by Wales after three and a half years in charge.
The 49-year-old did lead Wales to their first World Cup for 64 years at Qatar 2022.
But Page failed to qualify for Euro 2024 and this month’s drab results against Gibraltar, which was 0-0, and Slovakia, a 4-0 defeat, have proven to be his last in charge.
Dave Adams, 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 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, 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 sixty-four years.”
“We remain focused on our FAW value of ‘Excellence’ and look forward to the opportunities for our national teams and Welsh Football.”
FAW President, Steve Williams commented: “I am incredibly grateful for all that Rob has done in his role as Cymru Men’s National Team Manager and I want to put on record my gratitude for taking Cymru to EURO 2020 and the FIFA World Cup.”
“Rob’s passion for the country shone through in his visits to schools, clubs and communities across the breadth of Wales. I know Rob was incredibly proud of taking the World Cup squad announcement to his hometown of Tylorstown.”
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FAW chiefs had been locked in talks for over a week regarding Page’s future before deciding to make a change.
He faced heavy criticism after Wales’ poor showing at the World Cup 18 months ago, and then pressure mounted after an embarrassing Euro qualifying home defeat to Armenia.
But his team responded by beating Croatia as they looked set to reach a third-straight European Championship.
However, those hopes were dashed when they were beaten on penalties by Poland in the play-offs in March.
FAW chief Williams claimed after that defeat that Page would be in charge of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
But less than three months later he and the rest of the Welsh football chiefs have decided to wield the axe.
And Page seemed to be half expecting it himself after the thrashing by Slovakia on June 9.
He said: “They [Wales’ fans] want me out. I completely understand.
“I’ve got to stay true to myself and focused on the job in hand.
“Everything else is out of my control.”
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