- Domestic violence court trial holds August
Manchester United legend, Ryan Giggs will be stepping down as coach of the Wales national team, following their qualification for the Qatar 2022 World Cup in his absence.
The former United midfielder, who is currently awaiting trial for domestic violence-related charges, took over the Dragons in 2018 but has been on leave since November 2020, with a date in court fixed for August this year.
He has pleaded not guilty to claims of controlling and coercive behaviour against his ex-girlfriend, as well as assault and causing actual bodily harm.
With the interim boss, Rob Page guiding Wales to their first World Cup appearance since 1958 Giggs has now decided to cede responsibility ahead of the global tournament.
According to him; “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.”
In a statement released on Monday, the 48-year-old Manager said; “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. 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.”
On the possibility of his return to management after the court case, Giggs believes he will be cleared by his trial and hopes to take a head coaching job thereafter – though it remains to be seen how his case might unfold and how teams react to the proceedings.
“As has been well publicised, I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal accusations being heard at Manchester Crown Court,” Giggs said.
“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 in this case.
“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”, the former Old Trafford delight said.
As one of the most decorated footballers of all time, Giggs had during his time at Manchester United, won 13 Premier League winner’s medals – more than any other player in history; four FA Cup winner’s medals; three League Cup winner’s medals, two UEFA Champions League winner’s medals; a FIFA Club World Cup winners medal; an Intercontinental Cup winner’s medal; a UEFA Super Cup winner’s medal; and nine FA Community Shield winner’s medals.
Interestingly, Manchester United and Liverpool are the only clubs in English football history to have won more league championships than Giggs.
The Welshman, who is one of the 28 players to have over 1000 career appearances, captained the Theatre of Dreams’ Landlords on numerous occasions, particularly in the 2007–08 season when regular captain Gary Neville had health issues with various injuries.
