Gemma Grainger: Wales manager steps down to take up Norway job

Grainger’s final match in charge of the Wales was a 0-0 draw in the Nations League against Germany at Swansea.com Stadium in December.

Gemma Grainger has stood down from her role as Wales manager with immediate effect.

Grainger, who succeeded Jayne Ludlow in March 2021, will take up a new head coach role with Norway.

Grainger guided Wales to the brink of qualification for their first major tournament, but lost out in the 2023 World Cup play-offs.

"Over the last three years I have given my heart and soul to our journey," Grainger said.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to work with this group of players and staff, and to represent a nation that has supported the team with incredible pride and passion.

"I had no intention to leave Cymru, but I have been offered an unexpected opportunity that I could not turn down and it has been extremely difficult for me to get to this point. I hope you know the decision to leave has not been taken lightly."

Grainger is leaving her role with immediate effect and will take charge of a Norway side currently ranked 11th in the world.

The former England age-grade manager will continue to live in Leeds and has agreed a deal to be Norway manager until 2026, with her first competitive matches in February when Norway face Croatia in a Nations League promotion/relegation match.

The loss of Wales' national team boss will be seen as a blow to the Football Association of Wales despite Grainger receiving criticism from some pundits after Wales were relegated from League A of the Nations League.

Grainger, who signed a new deal last year to remain as Wales boss until 2027, says she is thrilled to be taking charge of the 1995 World Cup winners.

"l am honoured to be taking on the role of head coach with Norway and leading a nation that has been a driving force in progressing and evolving women's football as World, Olympic and European champions, and a team that is full of world class talent and potential," she said.

"I look forward to getting to work with the players and staff to firstly secure our place in the Nations League A in February's playoffs and then reaffirming our place as a competitive force at major tournaments, whilst staying true to Norwegian values which I truly look forward to embracing."

Grainger's success in her nearly three years in charge of Wales has seen her take a role with one of the traditional powerhouses of women's football.

Wales missed out on a place at the 2023 World Cup after a last-minute defeat in the qualifying play-off final against Switzerland.

During her tenure, a record attendance for a Wales women's international match was also achieved when 15,200 fans attended Cardiff City Stadium to watch Wales beat Bosnia & Herzegovina in the semi-final of the World Cup play-offs.

"I would like to place on record our sincere gratitude for what Gemma has achieved during her time as Cymru manager," FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said.

"She worked incredibly hard with all of us at the FAW to provide the best possible environment for the women's national team to be successful.

"We are really happy that we have progressed well under Gemma and now, we enter a period of recruitment for a new manager that will give us the best opportunity to qualify for Euro 2025 and the 2027 World Cup."

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