What next for Wales after Gemma Grainger leaves for Norway?

Wales players in a huddle before the draw with Germany last monthFAW

Gemma Grainger leaves Wales after an eight-game winless run, although her final game was an eye-catching draw with Germany

Former striker Gwennan Harries believes Wales can expect numerous high-calibre applicants as they search for a new national women's manager.

Wales must begin the process of finding a new boss following the shock departure of Gemma Grainger.

Harries hopes the Football Association of Wales (FAW) will pick a manager with the right levels of experience and expertise.

"I think it's a big job and an exciting job," Harries said.

"I think there were over 50 candidates when Gemma Grainger got the job and I do see a lot more applying for this one.

"I just hope it's the right person in terms of someone who has experience, knowledge of women's football - it's a different game to the men's game - and somebody who can get a lot out of the squad in an attacking sense, because we have had two quite defensive managers previously."

Grainger has left the Wales job after just under three years in charge to take over as manager of Norway's national women's side.

Her exit had not been anticipated by the FAW, who handed the Englishwoman a new contract running until 2027 last January.

'The FAW have a job on their hands'

Another former Wales international, Nia Jones, said she was "very surprised" by Grainger's abrupt exit.

"She always talked fondly about the Welsh set-up, she's very forward-thinking and said that it was a long-term project," Jones told BBC Sport Wales.

"She talked a great game in terms of what they're building there at Wales.

"It's interesting where Wales go from here. The FAW have got a job on their hands, in terms of who they appoint next. It is so important if they're to carry on that momentum that they've been building during her reign."

Wales are yet to confirm what they will do during February's international window, though they are expected to have a caretaker management team in place at that stage.

The aim will be to appoint a new permanent boss before their next competitive games, which will come in April as Euro 2025 qualifying begins.

Ex-Wales defender and coach Kath Morgan has suggested Chris Gunter, the former men's international who has been working under Robert Page, as a contender to succeed Grainger.

FAW

Gemma Grainger has left Wales to take charge of a Norway side ranked 11th in the world by Fifa

She says Wales are in an "awkward position" given that the start of a new qualifying campaign is only months away.

"For me Gemma Grainger is possibly turning her back on a team where she started something but she definitely hasn't finished it," Morgan told BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast.

"The truth is that she hasn't proved her worth to me as a manager in terms of results.

"She was successful when she came in, the team was full of confidence following Jayne Ludlow's time in charge and the results were good and we should celebrate that.

"But recently the results haven't been there and I am really surprised that Norway - from what I assume - have bought Gemma Grainger out of the four-year contract that she signed.

"I can't quite understand it, but the focus should be appointing a replacement as soon as possible in order to start the new campaign."

Smith plays down Wales speculation

Bristol City Women boss Lauren Smith, who was previously Ludlow's Wales assistant, has been linked with the top job in her native Wales following Grainger's departure.

Smith signed a new contract after leading Bristol City back into the Women's Super League (WSL) last season, and she has played down talk of succeeding Grainger.

"Right now I'm fully committed to Bristol City with the WSL challenge in front of us," Smith said.

"It's something I've wanted for the last couple of years, to get to the WSL and see how we do with the team and values we have here.

"I'm fully committed to Bristol City. Wales is an amazing job and step for whoever steps into it and I wish whoever that is all the luck."

Former Bristol Academy and Everton striker Harries says the timing of the Grainger news is "disappointing" given that the start of Euro 2025 qualifying is imminent.

"The Euros are probably our best opportunity because there are more places up for grabs," she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"They are huge because for the majority of this squad, this probably is the last opportunity to try to reach a major tournament."

FAW

Wales went ahead in their World Cup play-off final against Switzerland in 2022, only to lose 2-1 thanks to a goal deep in extra time

Grainger will be remembered as the first manager to lead Wales as far as qualifying play-offs for a major tournament.

From the moment her side saw hopes of 2023 World Cup qualification ended in Switzerland in October 2022, Grainger declared that they would reach a first major championship.

It will now be down to a new manager to make that happen, with Harries believing a change may ultimately benefit Wales.

"Most certainly there has been progress [under Grainger]," she added.

"I think the first year and a half to two years, we saw a real development in the style of play and I think more than anything in the mentality of the squad.

"There was a lot more belief there, they were trying to get on the ball and they were a lot more positive in the way that they were trying to play and using our strengths a bit more, because we have got some very good ball players in the squad.

"Obviously then pressure starts to come into it as we are starting to get closer to qualification and I think at times there were question marks… were we getting the best out of those squads? Did we maybe revert back to old forms of playing?

"I think maybe she brought the squad as far as she could possibly take them.

"I think it's quite an exciting time ahead, obviously for her - she has done huge work and we are really thankful for that - but actually it's a really exciting opportunity for the next person and it needs to be somebody who can get the best, in an attacking sense, out of what is a very talented squad leading into the European qualifiers."

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