By Milcah Tanimu
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has officially terminated Rob Page’s contract as Head Coach of the men’s National Team. Page initially took over as interim manager in November 2020 and was appointed permanently in September 2022. Under his leadership, the team achieved notable successes, including reaching the UEFA EURO 2020 finals and making Cymru’s first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1958.
Dave Adams, Chief Football Officer, commended Page for his contributions, which included promoting Wales to League A in the UEFA Nations League and integrating 18 pathway players into the senior squad. FAW CEO Noel Mooney and President Steve Williams also expressed their gratitude for Page’s dedication and for creating unforgettable moments for Welsh football.
The FAW emphasized its commitment to the value of ‘Excellence’ and is looking forward to future opportunities for Welsh football. The announcement was made on Friday through a statement on FAW’s X and website.
Before his role as Men’s National Team Manager, Page was the U21 Head Coach from 2017, where he developed several players into the senior team, including Dan James, Harry Wilson, and Joe Rodon.
Adams remarked, “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 as Cymru Head Coach. Rob’s efforts led to success at EURO 2020 and qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and he integrated 18 pathway players into the senior squad. This experience will support our objective to consistently qualify our Men’s National Team for major tournaments.”
Mooney added, “On behalf of myself and the entire FAW, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rob for his commitment and dedication. Under Rob Page’s leadership, our Cymru men’s team achieved significant milestones, most notably our first World Cup in sixty-four years. We remain focused on our FAW value of ‘Excellence’ and look forward to future opportunities for Welsh football.”
FAW President Steve Williams commented, “I am incredibly grateful for all that Rob has done as Cymru Men’s National Team Manager, 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 Wales. I know Rob was incredibly proud of announcing the World Cup squad in his hometown of Tylorstown.”
The announcement follows Wales’ failure to qualify for the ongoing Euros 2024 in March.