RYAN GIGGS has resigned as Wales manager with Robert Page set to take over for the Qatar World Cup in November.
The former Manchester United star, 48, faces a domestic violence trial in August after he was charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Ryan Giggs has stood down as Wales boss with immediate effectCredit: GettyInterim manager Robert Page – who led the Dragons to the World Cup – will take overCredit: Reuters
Giggs, who has been on leave since November 2020 following his arrest, said: “After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to manage my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach.”
Giggs is also accused of using coercive behaviour towards Kate Greville as well as assaulting her sister when the trial, delayed from January due to a backlog of cases, starts on August 8.
He added: “I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal accusations being heard at Manchester Crown Court.
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Speed formula of professionalism, passion and youth has created Wales success
“Whilst I am confident in our judicial process, I had hoped that the case would have been heard earlier to enable me to resume my managerial responsibilities. Through nobody’s fault the case has been delayed.
“I do not want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilised or jeopardised in any way by the continued interest around this case.”
Giggs became Wales boss in January 2018 and his four-year contract was due to expire at the end of the World Cup campaign.
He thanked his FAW bosses for the ‘support they have given me during this difficult time in my personal life’ and also added he intends to resume his managerial career at a later date.
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Page took over as interim boss in Giggs’ absence and the 47-year-old led the Dragons to a first World Cup finals since 1958 following the 1-0 play-off final triumph over Ukraine on June 5.
His contract has been extended until the end of Wales’ tournament in the Middle East where they face USA in their Group B opener on November 21 followed by matches with Iran and arch rivals England.
Wales captain Gareth Bale recently supported Page publicly to become the nation’s long-term manager beyond the World Cup before the 1-1 Nations League draw with Belgium on June 11.
Bale said of Page: “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.”
RYAN GIGGS STATEMENT IN FULL
After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect.
It has been an honour and a privilege to manage my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach.
As has been well publicised, I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal accusations being heard at Manchester Crown Court.
Whilst I am confident in our judicial process, I had hoped that the case would have been heard earlier to enable me to resume my managerial responsibilities.
Through nobody’s fault the case has been delayed.
I do not want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilised or jeopardised in any way by the continued interest around this case.
I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some unforgettable moments during my three years in charge of the national team.
I am proud of my record and will cherish those special times forever.
It has been a pleasure to work with such well-established, senior professionals, and it has given me immense pride to watch so many young players progress into the national squad and flourish in the proud red colours of our country.
I am touched and grateful to our passionate supporters for following us all over the world.
To see nearly 3,000 of our loyal, travelling fans in Baku for the European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan made me appreciate the sacrifices people make to watch our nation play.
I am sad that we cannot continue this journey together because I believe that this extraordinary group will make the country proud at our first World Cup since 1958.
I would like to thank the chief executive Noel Mooney, his predecessor Jonathan Ford, the board of the FAW, plus the many people behind the scenes who work tirelessly to help our national team and for the support they have given me during this difficult time in my personal life.
It is my intention to resume my managerial career at a later date and I look forward to watching our national team alongside you in the stands.
Finally, I would like to wish the players, the staff and the supporters at the FAW every success at the World Cup and in the future.
Thank you and best wishes. Ryan
The FAW issued a short 77-word statement: “The Football Association of Wales acknowledges the personal statement released by Ryan Giggs.
“The FAW places on record its gratitude to Ryan Giggs for his tenure as manager of the Cymru Men’s National Team and appreciates the decision he has taken, which is in the best interests of Welsh football.”
