Gemma Grainger Signs Two-Year Contract Extension As Wales Women Manager

Wales Women manager, Gemma Grainger has signed a two-year contract extension until 2027. 

Grainger first arrived in March 2021 following Jayne Ludlow’s departure and in her first full campaign, she led Wales to the UEFA Qualifying Play-Off Finals for 2023 FIFA World Cup where they were eventually beaten by Switzerland in a heartbreaking last-minute defeat.

2022 also saw Wales Women set a new record crowd attendance of 15,200 fans who attended their Play-Off semi-final victory against Bosnia & Herzegovinia at Cardiff City Stadium.

FA Wales have consequently decided to reward Grainger with a two-year contract extension until 2027, with her original contract having been set to expire in 2025.

Speaking about her decision to sign a new two-year contract, Grainger commented: “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract and extend my journey working with this special group of players.

“I’m an ambitious coach, these players are ambitious and the FAW are ambitious, so all those things are a great match.”

On what she hopes to achieve moving forward as Wales now prepare for the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League and UEFA Euro 2025 Qualifying, Grainger added that the aim is “to drive our progress and momentum” forward across upcoming campaigns.

FA Wales CEO, Noel Mooney added that Grainger has helped the squad make “huge strides” but iterated that the priority now is to qualify for UEFA Euro 2025 and 2027 FIFA World Cup.

On the prospect of achieving both aims, Mooney concluded: “This group has captured the imagination of the Welsh public and we have no doubt they will break new glass ceilings for Welsh football in the coming years.”

FA Wales Chief Football Officer, David Adams meanwhile praised Grainger for displaying an excellent “ability to effectively develop this talented team,” whilst ensuring “tremendous progress both on and off the field.”

Adams also echoed Mooney’s confidence about future qualification for major tournaments as he added: “We are confident Gemma can continue this process as we aim to qualify for the Women’s European Championships and use this as a catalyst to continue to increase participation across Cymru.”

Wales will participate in 2023 Pinatar Cup in Spain in February where they will face Philippines, Iceland and Scotland.