CYMRU manager Rob Page has withdrawn from a live show event in Cardiff, amid mounting pressure from fans regarding his position. This decision follows a heavy loss to Slovakia and a disappointing draw against Gibraltar.
Page faced boos from travelling supporters twice this week after Cymru endured a humiliating 0-0 draw with Gibraltar and a 4-0 defeat to Slovakia on Sunday night. Despite the setbacks, Page had committed to a live show appearance with his former Sheffield United manager, Neil Warnock.
Warnock’s show, “One Last Time,” is scheduled to take place at the Vale Sports Arena on Penarth Road on June 21. The former Cardiff City manager had announced special guests would be part of the event. Ex-Cardiff captain Sean Morrison and Cymru boss Page were initially on the bill. However, following Cymru’s poor performance in Trnava, it has been confirmed that Page will no longer participate. He will be replaced by Warnock’s long-term assistant, Ronnie Jepson, along with Bluebirds favourite Sol Bamba and current skipper Joe Ralls.
This development comes as fans call for the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to reconsider Page’s future, especially after Cymru failed to reach the Euros this summer following a play-off final defeat by Poland on penalties. Page, who has two years left on his contract, has acknowledged the fans’ desire for his departure.
“They [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,” Page told the BBC.
“I clapped them with the players and when the players walked, I made a point of going over to the supporters and saying ‘it’s on me’. I get the frustration. [I feel] low, disappointed, of course. I’m human at the end of the day and nobody wants to fail.”
Page is scheduled to have discussions with FAW technical director Dave Adams, president Steve Williams, and CEO Noel Mooney following this disappointing week.
