Gemma Grainger appointed as manager of Welsh women’s national team

The Football Association of Wales have unveiled Gemma Grainger as the new manager of the Women’s national team. 

Grainger has been appointed on a four-year deal and succeeds Jayne Ludlow who left her post as manager after six years in January.

Grainger obtained the UEFA Pro Licence in 2016, the highest coaching qualification in world football and a requirement for the job.

She had been at the English FA for 11 years and worked across a number of England Women’s developmental teams, as well as a stint with the senior team, working alongside Welshman Mark Sampson.

Her coaching journey has already seen her work at the 2014 FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup and the 2016 FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup as well as at two U19 Euro finals and a U17 Euro finals. 

As well as experience on the international stage, she previously held managerial roles at both Leeds United and Middlesbrough.

Commenting on her appointment, Grainger said: “I’m proud to become Cymru’s National Team Manager and I can’t wait for the challenge ahead. Every part of my career has been deliberate and thought out to build towards taking a senior team to a major tournament.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone and I’m looking forward to working with staff and players to fulfill everyone’s potential to go to the next level. It’s an opportunity for me and the players to write a new chapter and build on  the story of women’s football in Wales.”  

Grainger will begin her tenure in early April with home friendlies against Canada who are ranked eighth in the world and Denmark, who will be at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. 

Wales will then find out their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying opponents on Friday 30 April in the hope of Grainger leading Wales to their first major tournament.

(Featured Image: John Smith/Football Association of Wales)