Progress, heartache and frustration – Gemma Grainger’s Wales tenure reviewed

A six-game unbeaten run followed the gut-wrenching Switzerland defeat, with the highlight being a 4-1 success against Northern Ireland in Cardiff.

But the second half of 2023 saw Grainger navigate stormy waters as Wales desperately struggled against quality opposition.

Despite the absence of stars including captain Ingle and taliswoman Fishlock, Wales frustrated four-time World Cup winners USA for long periods before Trinity Rodman’s late double earned the hosts victory in a San Jose friendly.

However, it was the subsequent Nations League campaign where public opinion on Grainger’s Wales started to shift.

There was an acceptance that Wales were facing high-level opposition in Denmark, Germany and Iceland in League A, although Grainger was heavily criticised during stages of the competition.

One of the key gripes aimed at the manager was her unwillingness to make substitutions earlier, while others criticised the lack of game-time given to youngsters including Ffion Morgan, Ella Powell and Elise Hughes.

Despite a spirited display, a lack of ruthlessness in the final third cost Wales as they opened their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Iceland before suffering miserable 5-1 defeats by Denmark and Germany.

Following defeat by the Germans, ex-Wales player Kath Morgan said: “When we play against a team who have been there, done it, won World Cups, we are nowhere near their level to compete.

“This is not being derogatory to our national team, that is the reality.

“It’s like Merthyr playing Manchester City, the gulf between European teams who have been invested in by their associations for 30 years [and the rest]. We have to accept where we are.”

Former Wales goalkeeper Jo Price even hinted that the FAW should explore the option of replacing Grainger as boss.

“Two 5-1 defeats, I’m looking at what changes can be made and I’m not just thinking tactically, I’m thinking maybe a new manager,” she said in October.

A late rally in Denmark was not enough as Wales – who saw Fishlock get on the scoresheet – were beaten 2-1 by the Danes, leaving Grainger’s side staring down the barrel of a pointless campaign.

Their attacking woes came back to haunt them in Cardiff as Iceland left the capital with a 2-1 victory that guaranteed Wales would be relegated into League B.

There was real concern ahead of the campaign’s climax against Germany, although Wales produced their best display to earn a highly creditable 0-0 draw in Swansea.

It was undoubtedly a case of too little, too late, although the ending to what was a grim campaign did at least provide a glimmer of hope before this year’s Euro qualifiers.

Nevertheless, Grainger stuck to her assessment that playing stellar opposition on a regular basis would only boost Wales’ chances of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time.