Arsenal legend Thierry Henry ‘shock contender to succeed Rob Page as Wales manager’ with special contract clauses
THIERRY HENRY has been backed to succeed Rob Page as Wales boss.
Henry is in charge of France’s Under-21 side and is preparing his nation’s Olympic team for the Paris Games next month.
The 46-year-old has a connection to Wales, having studied for his coaching badges with the Football Association of Wales (FAW).
The FAW sacked Page last Friday after three-and-a-half years in charge following Wales’ failure to qualify for Euro 2024.
The governing body plans to take its time in appointing a successor.
With no fixture for Wales until they begin their Nations League campaign at home against Turkey in September.
Henry would be a higher-profile announcement, given he is one of his generation’s greatest players and undertakes pundit duties on TNT Sports.
The FAW would offer Henry a special contract clause that would permit him to maintain his lucrative media and sponsorship work if he become the Wales manager.
The Welsh governing body believes its financial constraints would not necessarily prevent a deal from happening.
And former Dragon Robert Earnshaw has backed the former Arsenal and Barcelona striker to be a “left field” contender.
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Earnshaw, 43, said: “I spent some time with Thierry on the Welsh FA coaching course a couple of years ago.
“He knows technical director David Adams and the set-up. He understands Welsh football.
The one thing that stood out when I was sat with Thierry was his football brain is brilliant.
Robert Earnshaw on Henry
“With France U21s and the Olympic team, he understands young players.
“I could see someone like Thierry doing it. He’s so sharp, advanced and has got great ideas.
“He would raise the bar and the level. I don’t know whether he would want it.”
Henry won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a host of individual honours during his time with the Gunners.
Meanwhile Osian Roberts, 58, the head of development at second tier Italian side Como, is the bookies’ favourite.
Burnley interim boss and 78-cap Dragons legend Craig Bellamy, 44, is also in the frame.
And former Wales managers Ryan Giggs and Mark Hughes are keen to get back into management.
Thierry Henry career stats
Playing career:
Monaco – 141 games, 23 goals
Juventus – 20 games, three goals
Arsenal – 377 games, 228 goals
Barcelona – 121 games, 49 goals
New York Red Bulls – 135 games, 52 goals
Managerial career:
Monaco – 2018-19
Montreal Impact – 2019-21
France U21s – 2023-present
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