Wales step up search for new manager

FAW President Steve Williams, left, and chief executive Noel Mooney, right, are prepared to take their time in announcing Rob Page's successor

Wales will speak to a range of managerial candidates this week as they step up their search for a successor to Rob Page.

Following Page’s sacking last month, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) is in the early stages of what could be a lengthy process to a find a new manager.

The longlist of contenders is believed to include ex-Wales forward Craig Bellamy but Osian Roberts, who served as an assistant to former Wales bosses Gary Speed, Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs, has ruled himself out.

Arsenal great Thierry Henry, who is in charge of France’s Under-21s and Olympic team, is another name under consideration.

With no obvious leading candidate at this early stage, the FAW is neither formally naming any contenders nor ruling anybody out.

The association set out its criteria for a new manager last week, identifying a potential candidate with a “proven track record” but not necessarily having to be Welsh.

Officials have stressed they are prepared to "go global" in their attempt to land the right figure to lead the side in qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The recruitment search is being led by technical director Dave Adams with some suggestions no final decision will come until as late as next month.

Despite initial discussions with some candidates beginning, the FAW is prepared to wait until at least the end of the Euro 2024 finals with managerial changes at international level expected.

Currently under serious consideration as a potential candidate, Henry would be unavailable until the end of the Olympics in August.

With Henry a graduate of the FAW's coach education course, former colleague Mike Flynn says the World Cup-winning forward has a strong link with the association and could be attracted to the role.

“He's got a job to do with the French Under-23s and he's the ultimate professional, but he would be a huge addition to the Welsh setup,” said the Cheltenham Town manager, who has stayed in contact with Henry since studying for the Uefa pro-licence together.

"He's done all of his badges through them and he's gone back to do conferences which just shows the respect he's got for the Welsh coaching badges.

"He's not just a big name, I've seen him do the work on the coaching badges, I've spoken to him when he's been at Monaco and since he's been with France.

"I know how driven he is. He is passionate and he's a legend from his playing days. I can't speak highly enough of him. The way he's been with me has been special.

"Thierry has got to decide whether he thinks he can get Wales to a major championship in the next two, four or six years. That's his decision."

Former Newport County manager Flynn added the appointment of former Canada international Rhian Wilkinson as the manager of Wales’ women’s national side shows there would be no issue in the FAW looking beyond Wales for its appointment.

However, speaking to Radio Wales Sport, he added that both Bellamy and Roberts would be impressive candidates, adding: "With [chief executive] Noel Mooney and Dave Adams, it’s in good hands and I know they will try and get the best man they feel can take Wales to the next major tournament."