ROB PAGE has been dismissed as the manager of the Wales national football team following a series of disappointing friendly results and the team’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024.
The 49-year-old’s departure was confirmed after Wales missed out on a place in the Euros, having lost to Poland on penalties in the playoffs. While England and Scotland secured their spots in Germany, Wales fell short.
Despite a seven-match unbeaten run, a 4-0 defeat by Slovakia and a goalless draw with Gibraltar in recent friendlies led to Page’s dismissal earlier this month.
Page made history in 2022 as the first manager in 64 years to lead Wales to a World Cup. However, the team was eliminated in the group stage following a 2-0 loss to Iran and a 3-0 defeat against England.
Page initially took over as caretaker manager in November 2020, succeeding Ryan Giggs. He guided Wales to the knockout stages of Euro 2020, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and a 2-0 victory over Turkey in the group stage. Their campaign ended with a 4-0 defeat by Denmark in the second round. Page’s role was made permanent in June 2022.
Following discussions after the last international break, FA Wales (FAW) officials decided that a change was necessary.
Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey paid tribute to Page in a post on X, describing him as “a gentleman and true family man” and expressing gratitude for “a journey we can all be proud of from the Euros to taking Wales to a World Cup for the first time since ’58.”
Noel Mooney, FAW chief executive, thanked Page for leading the national side to “significant milestones and victories which have created many incredible memories.” FAW chief football officer Dave Adams also praised Page for “reaching the Round of 16 at Euro 2020 and qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” as well as for integrating “18 pathway players into the senior squad.”
Page’s record with the team stands at 15 wins, 15 draws, and 15 losses from 45 matches. Wales’ next match in the Nations League is against Turkey on 6 September.
