ROBERT PAGE is set to sign a new four-year deal with Wales.
The Dragons boss led his country to their first World Cup since 1958 after a play-off final triumph over Ukraine in June.
Talks have been ongoing since then but SunSport can reveal Page is close to agreeing the long-term contract with the Football Association of Wales with an official announcement due soon.
And the fresh terms will include qualification campaigns for both Euro 2024 and the World Cup in 2026.
Page has been in charge of Wales since Ryan Giggs was arrested in November 2020 before the ex-Manchester United winger eventually stood down in June ahead of his domestic violence trial.
The 41-cap former defender, who was Giggs’ assistant before taking on the manager’s job on an interim basis, will lead the Dragons against USA on November 21 in Qatar before also facing Iran and arch rivals England in Group B.
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Page has been in charge for 24 matches, winning ten, drawing eight and losing just six games and, after the victory over Ukraine, had his current deal extended by the FAW until the end of the World Cup.
But the new contract will allow the 47-year-old to plan for the future and end any uncertainty over his position.
SunSport reported Wales stars Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey had been alarmed at the lack of progress on Page’s contract.
Captain Bale, who plans to play at Euro 2024 and possibly even the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico should Wales qualify, had already publicly pledged his support that Page should become the nation’s long-term manager beyond this winter’s finals.
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Bale said in June: “He is the long-term manager. I don’t think there is any question in the changing room or from the fans.
“He’s done an incredible job coming in in difficult circumstances.
“I guess that’s why you achieve big things when your team is happy and your manager is doing well.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
