Paul Bodin: Wales Under-21 boss leaves role

Paul Bodin represented the likes of Cardiff, Swindon and Reading in his playing days

Paul Bodin has left his role as Wales Under-21 manager, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) has announced.

Bodin, 57, departs after just under three years in charge.

The ex-Wales international previously managed Wales Under-19s and coached in the country's age-groups set-up.

"The Football Association of Wales can confirm that Paul Bodin has left the role of Cymru U21 manager by mutual consent," an FAW statement said.

"The FAW would like to put on record its gratitude to Paul Bodin for his commitment to the Cymru national teams and wish him the very best for the future."

The FAW's national talent identification manager, Gus Williams, is also moving on.

Williams has spent more than two decades working for the FAW, but is leaving to become head of player recruitment at Championship club Blackburn Rovers.

"Following a really robust recruitment process, we are really happy to announce Gus Williams as our new head of player recruitment," said Rovers director of football Gregg Broughton.

"Achieving excellence in player trading is vital in our aim of establishing Blackburn Rovers as an aspiring and ambitious club, and Gus will be key in helping us to develop this area. "

Wales Under-21s won what proved to be Bodin's final game a charge, against Gibraltar in Llanelli in June.

That was the last match of an unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 2023 Uefa European Under-21 Championship, with Bodin's side finishing fourth in Group E behind the Netherlands, Switzerland and Moldova.

Bodin worked with the likes of Brennan Johnson, Neco Williams, Rhys Norrington-Davies and Ben Cabango, who have since represented Wales at senior level.