FAW chief reveals clear-the-air talks with Rob Page over Wales future
COLWYN BAY, CONWY, WALES - 13th AUGUST 2023 - FAW CEO Noel Mooney is interviewed by Sgorio's Sioned Dafydd during halftime of CPD Bae Colwyn vs CPD Tref Caernarfon in Round 1 of the JD Cymru Premier at The 4 Crosses Construction Arena, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
Football Association of Wales (FAW) Chief Executive Officer Noel Mooney has today addressed recent speculation surrounding the future of manager Rob Page.
Speaking to Sgorio he shared how he and Rob Page had a discussion during the national team’s visit to Wrexham in the last international window.
Mooney said: “We had a lovely chat I would say, Rob made a few points, and we made a few points, and we agreed everything together, and it was a very positive, productive discussion as it should be. We’re all trying to do the same thing, we just want Cymru to win, to grow, and to get better.”
It was suggested by The Sun that the FAW and Mooney wanted Manchester United legend Roy Keane to replace Page in June. The news broke just days before a crucial EURO 2024 qualifier with Croatia, which fortunately Wales went on to win. Despite the rumours, Mooney dismissed the reports and stressed that Rob Page has full backing of the FAW.
“It was complete boloney that was in the story,” Mooney admitted.
“It was a shock to us, we were flat-footed as much as anybody. You just wanted everyone to focus on getting the performance, the result they got against Croatia.
He added: “Rob has done a terrific job in the transition, Rob enjoys full support here of the FAW in his work, I think he’s doing a terrific job.
“We are going into the final window with a real fighting chance now of qualifying for our third Euro’s out of three.”
Noel Mooney: “We always want to play at Cardiff City Stadium”
Mooney also spoke on how important it is playing at the Cardiff City Stadium, and how it has had a major impact on the positive results of the national side over recent years.
“There’s something about Cardiff City Stadium, I just don’t know what it is, but you just get this sense that it’s so hard to beat us there, especially at night time.” said Mooney.
