Former Leeds United and Middlesbrough coach appointed manager of Norway women
CARDIFF, WALES - 22 AUGUST 2022: Wales senior Womans Manager Gemma Grainger speaks during the press conference at The Vale, Cardiff, Wales. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
Gemma Grainger has stood down from her role as manager of the Wales women’s national football team to become manager of Norway.
Grainger will be leaving her position five years before the end of her current contract. She signed a two-year extension in January 2023 however is leaving her post to replace Hege Riise.
The 41-year-old has been in charge for three months shy of three years. Grainger oversaw 32 games during her tenure with 10 wins, nine draws, and 39 defeats giving her a win percentage of 31.25%.
In her only full qualifying campaign she led Wales to a second-placed finish, qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs. Wales unfortunately lost to Switzerland 2-1 after extra time.
Noel Mooney, FAW Chief Executive, said to the FAW: “I would like to place on record our sincere gratitude for what Gemma has achieved during her time as Cymru National Team Manager.
“She worked incredibly hard with all of us at the FAW to provide the best possible environment for the Women’s National Team to be successful.
Her time with Wales comes to an end on the back of an eight-game winless streak. Wales failed to win any of their games in their UEFA Nations League group and picked up just one point from a possible 18, drawing with Germany in their final group stage match.
“We are really happy that we have progressed well under Gemma and now, we enter a period of recruitment for a new manager that will give us the best opportunity to qualify for UEFA EURO 2025 and the 2027 FIFA World Cup.”
Wales have a four-month window now to appoint Grainger’s successor. The qualifying campaign for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 begins in April and will conclude in December. Wales will be in Group B and will play two other teams along with one of; Malta, Israel, Kosovo, and Azerbaijan.
Dave Adams, Chief Football Officer, said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with Gemma over the past three years and would like to thank her for her achievements in the role and pushing the boundaries that allow us to look ahead with positivity. As we move forward, we will continue to focus on the squad and our strategic goal of qualifying for EURO 2025.”
At the time of her departure, Wales are 32nd in the FIFA World Cup rankings, having dropped three places.
FAW President, Steve Williams commented: “I’d like to thank Gemma for her hard work during her tenure as manager. Having continued to raise the standards within the National Team set-up, I believe her eventual successor will have the tools to continue pushing this team to new heights.”
