Wales have appointed Gemma Grainger as their national team manager on a four-year contract.
Grainger, who has worked across the England development teams for 11 years, will take charge of Wales’ two friendly matches in April.
The 38-year-old succeeds Jayne Ludlow, who left her role by mutual consent in January after seven years in charge.
“I’m proud to become Cymru’s national team manager and I can’t wait for the challenge ahead,” Grainger said.
Unlike her predecessor, Grainger will only be responsible for Wales’ senior side, rather than overseeing the age-grade teams.
Grainger has been a Uefa pro licence holder since 2016, and her appointment is understood to have been well received by Wales’ players, who expressed their disappointment at Ludlow leaving her role.
Grainger, whose remit will be to help Wales qualify for a first major finals, has tournament experience having worked at the 2014 Women’s Under-20s World Cup, the 2016…