Wales lift as Page signs long-term contract
ROB Page has signed a fouryear contract with the Football Association of Wales.
Having initially been an assistant, the 48-year-old took charge of Wales on an interim basis following Ryan Giggs’s arrest in November 2020 and led his country to promotion in the Nations League.
He guided the Red Dragons through their Euro 2020 campaign and also oversaw Wales’s first World Cup qualification since 1958 earlier this year when they sealed their place courtesy of a play-off victory over Ukraine.
And ahead of the showpiece tournament in Qatar, Page – who is highly regarded by top players in the Wales dressing room including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey – has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal with the FAW.
Discussing his new deal, Page said: “There is no bigger honour than coaching your national team.
“I can’t wait for the challenge the next four years will bring, starting with our first FIFA World Cup in 64 years.
“This is an exciting time for Welsh football and I hope we can make the country proud in November and continue our success by qualifying for more major tournaments in the future.”
Page’s deal will see him coach Wales at this year’s World Cup, while he is also contracted through to Euro 2024 in Germany and the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FAW president Steve Williams said: “I am delighted that Rob and the FAW have agreed a fouryear contract to take the Cymru men’s national team to the next stage.
“The FIFA World Cup is the perfect opportunity to show Wales on the world stage, and I am positive that Rob is the best person for the role, in Qatar and beyond.”
Wales return to action in the Nations League later this month, with Page’s side facing Belgium in Brussels on September 22 before hosting Poland at Cardiff City Stadium three days later.
The head coach will announce his squad for the double header this week.
They kick-start their 2022 World Cup campaign when coming up against the USA on November 21.
Their second match of the tournament is against Iran on November 25 and they round off the group stage when lining up against England four days later.