Rob Page has been sacked as Wales manager for failing to qualify for the Euros after three and a half years in charge.
The 49-year-old steered the country to a first World Cup in 64 years in 2022, but has come under pressure in recent weeks after missing out on qualification for Euro 2024.
Page had been given a vote of confidence by Football Association of Wales (FAW) after the penalty shootout defeat to Poland, with the association suggesting he would continue in the role into qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
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However, the FAW has been prompted to go back on its earlier position following below-par friendly displays against Gibraltar and Slovakia earlier in June.
“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,” Noel Mooney, FAW chief executive said.
Page, who won 41 international caps, took over from Ryan Giggs initially on an interim basis in 2020 having worked previously with the Welsh under 21 side.
He began his managerial career at Port Vale and also worked at Northampton Town after concluding his playing career in 2011.
“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 64 years,” Mooney said.
According to Mooney, Wales’ appearance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was the highlight of Page’s tenure as the nation returned to international football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1958, though they were eliminated at the Group B stage.
“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,” Dave Adams, FAW Chief Football Officer, said.
However, mixed performances cut-short their hopes of progressing directly to the 2024 Euros, though, and two dire displays in the 0-0 draw with Gibraltar and the 4-0 defeat to Slovakia have cost Page his job.
“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.”
