Gemma Grainger signs Cymru contract extension
PONTYCLUN, WALES - 18 MARCH 2021: Gemma Grainger takes part in a media session at the FAW’s offices ahead of her being appointed as the new Wales women national team manager. Vale resort, March 18th 2021, Wales (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
Cymru manager Gemma Grainger has signed a two-year contract extension with the FAW.
The extension will mean Grainger will lead her side through the 2025 European Championships and the 2027 World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Having taken the helm in March 2021, Grainger’s tenure so far in charge of the national side has been a successful one, as she guided Cymru to the World Cup playoffs in November.
‘I’m delighted to have signed a new contract and extend my journey working with this special group of players’
‘I’m an ambitious coach, these players are ambitious and the FAW are ambitious, so all those things are a great match’
‘We want to drive our progress and momentum from the last qualifying campaign, both on and off the pitch, and take that forward into the new year and the next two qualifying campaigns.’
After heartbreak out in Switzerland, Wales’ next competitive matches will take place in September, as they begin their qualifying campaign for the 2025 European Championships.
Unlike the men’s Euros, there are only 16 places available for the Women’s Euros, and with Wales currently ranked 21st amongst European nations, Grainger knows the fine margins will be pivotal.
‘The European Championships, and qualifying for our first major tournament, is our complete focus now’
‘There are 16 places in the Euros, and we know we’re ranked 21st, so we know it’s a challenge, we know the margins are there, but do we absolutely believe we can do it? Of course we do.’
Grainger’s time as manager has coincided with the restructure of the Welsh league.
The likes of Phoebie Poole have been part of the senior development squad, and Grainger believes the Adran Leagues provide a good level for some of the squad’s younger talents.
‘The Adran Leagues provide a key role and a key opportunity for our younger players to perform. Yes, there’s Phoebie but there are several other players’
‘What’s important for us is that players have the best opportunity at the right place and at the right time. If that’s in the Adran Leagues, brilliant’
‘The Adran Leagues getting better will increase standards, participation, and that’s a real strength for the national team.’
The first challenge for Grainger this year will be the Pinatar Cup in February.
Wales will take on the Philippines, Iceland, and Scotland this time round, and Grainger is looking forward to the challenge.
‘We’re going to play against three great teams. They’ll offer us different challenges which we want.
‘We want to continue to play different teams, different challenges tactically, we want to make sure we advance on the pitch.’
