Ryan Giggs STEPS DOWN as Wales boss while awaiting trial for assaulting his ex-girlfriend with former Man United winger keen to avoid 'destabilising or jeopardising' his country's preparation for their first World Cup appearance since 1958
* Ryan Giggs does not want his situation to act as distraction for the World Cup
* Giggs announced his decision to step down as manager of Wales on Monday
* He remains determined to clear his name and strenuously denies the charges
Ryan Giggs has stepped down as Wales manager.
The Manchester United legend – who temporarily left the role after being charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend – announced his decision on Monday evening, which was revealed by Mail+.
Talks with FAW officials have been ongoing, with Giggs finalising the move following the country's qualification for the World Cup under interim boss Rob Page earlier this month.
The 48-year-old – who strenuously denies the charges and who initially stepped down following the allegations in November 2020 - has decided to bring closure to the situation following the delay of his court case.
Giggs does not want his situation to act as a distraction as his country prepares for its first appearance in a World Cup finals since 1958.
He remains determined to clear his name, but given proceedings are now unlikely to take place until August, he feels that now is the time for clarification.
In a statement released on Monday, Giggs said: 'After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect.
'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.
'As has been well publicised, I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal accusations being heard at Manchester Crown Court.
Man United legend Ryan Giggs has stepped down as Wales manager on Monday evening. He finalised the move following the country's qualification for the World Cup under interim boss Rob Page. Giggs does not want his situation to act as a distraction as his country prepares for its first appearance in a World Cup finals since 1958
'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 around this case.
'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.
'It has been a pleasure to work with such well-established, senior professionals, and it has given me immense pride to watch so many young players progress into the national squad and flourish in the proud red colours of our country.
'I am touched and grateful to our passionate supporters for following us all over the world.
'To see nearly 3,000 of our loyal, travelling fans in Baku for the European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan made me appreciate the sacrifices people make to watch our nation play.
'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.
'I would like to thank the chief executive Noel Mooney, his predecessor Jonathan Ford, the board of the FAW, plus the many people behind the scenes who work tirelessly to help our national team and for the support they have given me during this difficult time in my personal life.
'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.
'Finally, I would like to wish the players, the staff and the supporters at the FAW every success at the World Cup and in the future. Thank you and best wishes. Ryan'
Giggs's trial was adjourned for close to seven months to August 8 following a backlog of cases at Manchester Crown Court.
He is accused of causing his ex actual bodily harm at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, in November 2020 and using coercive behaviour towards her. He has also been accused of assaulting his ex's sister. Giggs denies all the allegations.
Following qualification Page revealed his contract with Wales had been extended but Giggs's pending move will remove any confusion over the situation.
Quote:
GIGGS' STATEMENT IN FULL
After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect.
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.
As has been well publicised, I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal accusations being heard at Manchester Crown Court.
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 around this case.
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.
It has been a pleasure to work with such well-established, senior professionals, and it has given me immense pride to watch so many young players progress into the national squad and flourish in the proud red colours of our country.
I am touched and grateful to our passionate supporters for following us all over the world.
To see nearly 3,000 of our loyal, travelling fans in Baku for the European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan made me appreciate the sacrifices people make to watch our nation play.
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.
I would like to thank the chief executive Noel Mooney, his predecessor Jonathan Ford, the board of the FAW, plus the many people behind the scenes who work tirelessly to help our national team and for the support they have given me during this difficult time in my personal life.
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.
Finally, I would like to wish the players, the staff and the supporters at the FAW every success at the World Cup and in the future.
Thank you and best wishes. Ryan
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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10935149/Ryan-Giggs-STEP-Wales-boss-decision-set-announced-coming-days.html