Gemma Grainger: Manager making mark in positive first year for Wales

We want to qualify for a major tournament and be competitive. That is the goal.

When she took over as Wales manager in March of 2021, her goals seemed ambitious.

The women of Wales are on course for a first World Cup qualification play-off spot and are enjoying record crowds at their home games.

From her very first game in charge, Wales women impressed in games against higher ranked opposition.

The first year as Wales boss was looked at by the BBC.

Filling big shoes

The Football Association of Wales and the Wales women's set-up had continuous growth and increased success on the field at all age levels, but much of the credit for that went to her predecessor.

The Wales squad was sad, surprised and emotional, with the only person to preside being the former captain of the team.

Wales missed out on a play-off for the first major finals under Ludlow, finishing second to England in World Cup qualification, but they still went 687 minutes without a goal.

It's a tall order for Grainger to make a mark of improvement after Wales lost to Northern Ireland in European Championship qualification in 2020 and had a head-to-head record after two draws.

With no playing or coaching background like that of Ludlow, hitting the ground running with Wales was a tall order.

She has done it quickly, but not those who know her well.

Karen Carney, a former England player, told the radio station that Gemma is a top, top coach, young and hungry and wants her side to do well.

I have worked with her through the England set-up and I like her ability to get the best out of players.

Steve Cooper worked closely with Grainger while she was at the Football Association.

He said that she is a good coach, a good leader, and she has a good idea of how the game should be played.

Impressing on and off the field

In a matter of weeks and months, she has won over her players and ensured the close-knit squad remained as motivated as ever.

There has been an increased focus on Wales playing to their strengths, with world class talent like Jess Fishlock and captainSophie Ingle allowed to play in the roles they thrive in at club level.

The little details are what makes Grainger happy. The phone calls are made to players. The players are given books out of the boot of her car, which doubles as her personal library, because of the tips on what they should be reading. There was a trip to the Brecon Beacons with time spent with Marines and some climbing and caving.

She is so positive, she has inspired us in the first few days and after the first meeting, I think everyone walked out feeling inspired and itching to get out onto the pitch.

Fishlock is the most capped player in Wales.

Fishlock said that he had no doubt that Gemma would get the best out of everyone in the group.

She has been a breath of fresh air and refreshing, how she has been carried herself with our group is nothing short of phenomenal. She is easy to talk to.

emma knows what she wants She seems like she knows how to get there and she needs us to believe that we can get there as well.

Raising the game

All steps have been taken to make sure Wales are prepared for a major finals, with the aim being to make any marginal gains.

Canada, Norway and Scotland were all picked for being stiff challenges.

At the Pinatar Cup in February, Wales played against Scotland and held Belgium to a draw. The penalty shoot-out defeat by Belgium should be a good learning experience.

Wales are on course in their World Cup group as they lie in second place, losing only to runaway group leaders France as they aim for a play-off spot.

The national side has been elevated, both on the pitch and in training, as well as with community events designed to increase the visibility of the women's team.

The intensity of training is very high. We are seeing her style of play and philosophy coming through and it is very exciting to be playing in a Wales shirt.

It is no surprise that the training sessions are so popular.

She said that she always got excited to do technical drills with her.

She wants to be a success and put Wales where they want to be. She has big ambitions.

I remember having a conversation with her when she said that she wanted to be the best coach in the world.

Wales and Grainger are not where they want to be.

The national team and manager are headed in the right direction a year after her appointment.