Mark Hughes plotting return to management as Wales seek replacement for axed Rob Page after dismal results
MARK HUGHES has revealed he wants back into management as Wales sacked Rob Page.
Page, as expected, was dumped after losing out on a place at the Euros to Poland in a play -off penalty shoot-out in March.
There followed two shockers in friendlies this month, a 0-0 draw with Gibraltar, ranked 203rd in the world, then a 4-0 hammering by Slovakia.
Page knew he was running on empty despite taking Wales to Qatar 2022 and a first appearance in a World Cup finals in 64 years.
The 49-year-old admitted after the Slovakia defeat that the support had turned against him saying : “They want me out, I completely understand.”
Hughes wants back in again and will be interested in a second stint in charge after five years in charge of his country at the start of his managerial career.
The former Manchester United striker was sacked by League Two Bradford City eight months ago but told SunSport : “I’d like to get back in because I have the enthusiasm for a new challenge.”
Hughes, who also bossed Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke City and Southampton insists of his Bantams dismissal : “It was ludicrous to get rid of me if I’m honest.
“I got sacked after back-to-back defeats but we weren’t on a horrendous run, I would suggest.
“The previous time I’d lost back-to-back was about six months before and I was convinced I could still have taken them up because of the players we had.”
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Hughes, 60, shocked the football world by going to work in England’s fourth tier over four years after being dismissed by Saints in December 2018.
He stresses :“I took the Bradford job to see if I still did have that enthusiasm and I found out that I did within a week of going there.
“I still have it now – I feel fit and refreshed.”
Page departs after a three-and-a-half year reign in which he also took Wales to the last 16 of the 2020 Euros and was paid a social media tribute by Welsh captain Aaron Ramsey.
The Cardiff midfielder posted :“It has been a journey we can all be proud of from the Euros to taking Wales to a World Cup for the first time since ‘58.
“I personally just want to thank you for all you have done for me.
“You have been a privilege to work with, a gentleman and true family man – thank you, Rambo.”
Football Association of Wales CEO Noel Mooney said : “On behalf of myself and the entire FAW, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rob for his commitment and dedication to his roles for the national teams.
“Under Rob Page’s leadership, our Cymru men’s team has achieved significant milestones and victories which have created many incredible memories for our nation, most notably our first World Cup in 64 years.”