Coach has been working in the English youth set-up and has much experience on the international stage
THE Welsh FA has announced the Gemma Grainger has been appointed to the position of women’s national team manager on a four-year deal.
Grainger has been working in the England youth setup since 2012 but mostly recently served as the England Women Youth’s head coach.
In her time with England she completed her UEFA Pro Licence in 2016 and gained experience in major international tournaments, coaching in various youth World Cups and European Championships.
Grainger said: “I’m proud to become Cymru’s National Team Manager and I can’t wait for the challenge ahead. It’s an exciting time for everyone and I’m looking forward to working with staff and players to fulfil everyone’s potential to go to the next level.
“It’s an opportunity for me and the players to write a new chapter and build on the story of women’s football in Wales.”
Grainger replaces Arsenal legend Jayne Ludlow, who left as Wales manager in January. During her time in charge, the Welsh team reached their highest placing in the world rankings but narrowly failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2019 and the upcoming European Championships in 2022.
Ludlow had been responsible for all ages of the national team but Grainger’s role is changing to focus solely on the performance of the senior team.
After leaving, Ludlow said “”I wish the squad well in the future and I feel that qualification for a first major final is not far away.”
There are high expectations for Wales to reach their first major tournament when they kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign in September. The draw to decide their opponents will take place on April 30.
Head of Women’s and Girls’ Football at the FAW, Lowri Roberts, welcomed the new appointment and noted the importance for the Welsh national team to achieve qualification.
“We have made good progress across the women’s game in Wales over recent years and with Gemma’s appointment and a clear commitment from the organization to the women’s game we are giving the team the best possible chance for success,” she said.
“Qualification for a major tournament would be the catalyst to step change growth across the entire female game in Wales – we can’t wait to get to work.”
Grainger says her career has been “carefully thought out to build towards taking a senior team to major tournament”.
Welsh players and fans took to social media to welcome the new manager. Former Wales captain Laura McAllister referred to Grainger as a “superb appointment”.
Grainger will face her first test in two friendlies against Canada and Denmark early next month, the latter taking place at Cardiff City stadium.
