The Welsh FA have sacked national team manager Rob Page after almost four years in the role.
In a statement released on Friday, June 21, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) praised Page's role in taking his country to the Qatar World Cup in 2022 - a feat which had eluded his predecessors in the job for 64 years.
The ex-Sheffield United and Wales defender had been handed the position on an interim basis after then-manager Ryan Giggs was arrested on suspicion of assault in November 2020 - though those charges were eventually dropped.
And while he made history on the road to Qatar, Page's men had failed to push past Poland on penalties to reach the Euros this year.
Execs at the FAW paid tribute to the outgoing Page
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After this year's qualification heartbreak, Wales looked to have run out of steam - with fans forced to endure a humiliating 0-0 draw against minnows Gibraltar, and a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Slovakia - a side which, admittedly, have since gone on to beat heavyweights Belgium at Euro 2024.
Though Page left the Welsh faithful with some stellar tournament memories - the World Cup, of course, but also bringing Wales to a second successive European Championship knockout stage appearance after their historic run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals under Chris Coleman.
He also presided over the swansong of arguably his country's greatest ever player, Gareth Bale, who scored against the US in Qatar to earn Wales their only point in the group stages.
Dave Adams, Chief Football Officer at the FAW, said: "I would like to thank Rob for his work with the Association over the last seven years, firstly as the U21s Head Coach and then onto the role of Cymru Head Coach.
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Page took Wales to the Qatar World Cup in 2022 - a feat which had eluded his predecessors in the role for 64 years
PA
"Rob's work has delivered success reaching the Round of 16 at Euro 2020 and qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and during his period we also integrated 18 pathway players into the senior squad.
"As we move forward this experience will support our objective to consistently qualify our Men’s National Team to major tournaments."
While Noel Mooney, CEO at the FAW, said: "On behalf of myself and the entire FAW, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rob for his commitment and dedication to his roles for the National Teams.
"Under Rob Page's leadership, our Cymru men's team has achieved significant milestones and victories which have created many incredible memories for our nation, most notably our first World Cup in sixty-four years.
Steve Williams, FAW President, said Page was "incredibly proud" to host Wales's World Cup squad announcement in his hometown
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"We remain focused on our FAW value of 'Excellence' and look forward to the opportunities for our national teams and Welsh Football."
FAW President, Steve Williams commented: "I am incredibly grateful for all that Rob has done in his role as Cymru Men's National Team Manager and I want to put on record my gratitude for taking Cymru to EURO 2020 and the FIFA World Cup.
"Rob's passion for the country shone through in his visits to schools, clubs and communities across the breadth of Wales.
"I know Rob was incredibly proud of taking the World Cup squad announcement to his hometown of Tylorstown."
