By Graham Thomas
Rhian Wilkinson insists her door will be open to any Wales player looking to discuss what happened in her previous job.
The new Wales women’s head coach is already plotting the qualification campaign ahead for the 2025 European Championships.
Wilkinson – who has taken over from the departed Gemma Grainger – spoke briefly with the Wales squad following their 2-0 friendly victory over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Tuesday night.
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But the circumstances of her controversial departure from Portland Thorns in the USA were not addressed.
The former Canadian international stood down after admitting she and a player had developed “feelings for each other”, even though a thorough investigation by the National Women’s Soccer League cleared her of any wrongdoing.
“There is an opportunity for the players if they want to ask anything and then we move forward,” said Wilkinson, who has enjoyed huge success as both a player and coach.
“I am aware that these are the women who are going to be changing the landscape of sport in Wales and I need to have them buy into my leadership.
“I don’t dwell on this past. But it’s important to talk about it now. The Euro campaign is in less than a month’s time and the players are changing mindsets in Wales.
“I play a part in that. I’ve met the team, we’ve had great conversations and we want to move forward.”
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In her first press conference following her appointment, Wilkinson did not try to evade any questions about how her time at Portland had come to an abrupt end.
She admitted that although she was exonerated after an investigation that involved a team of nine lawyers, she felt she had no option but to quit because she had “lost the locker room.”
“It is clearly Googleable and part of my reality,” she added.
“I’ve been open about this whole thing because I think it’s important what happened to me.
“Safeguarding and process is critical to not just women’s football but men’s football and sport in general.
“I was a big part of building the players’ union in Canada and also played a part in building the American one.
“I came forward when I thought there was something to investigate. I provided all the evidence, I was thoroughly investigated, and I followed the process that the players themselves had put in place.
“I was found not to have done anything and I was completely vindicated in that.
“However, we all know in sport that when you lose the locker room you really can’t continue.
“So, I felt it was the right time to step back and leave that role. It is very public and that’s very painful.
“It’s painful that you can’t always say what you want to do to try and support yourself.
“But the most important thing that happened in my previous job was the investigative process which is critical to our safeguarding.
“It’s to make sure people do come forward and thorough investigations do occur because we do need to look after players’ safety.
“I think that will become more normalised because right now when anyone is investigated, they are believed to have done something because there has been so much wrongdoing in sport.
“We hope with more investigations it will become a safer place. It has been very hard but something I need to talk about and face up to because it has been a lived experience.”
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After previous near misses in qualification for major tournaments – under both Grainger and Jayne Ludlow – Wilkinson is keen to ensure a squad that will likely be broken up after this coming Euros campaign, can finally make it.
The likes of Jess Fishlock, Sophie Ingle and Kayleigh Green may not be around for the next World Cup campaign, meaning the Euros qualifiers – which begin in April – may be their final opportunity.
“Sometimes, the disappointment of not achieving something and being so close is the catalyst for the greatest change,” added Wilkinson.
“I’ve experienced it as a player, I’ve experienced it as a coach, and it’s painful and heartbreaking, and it reminds you of how much you want something.
“I got that impression as soon as I met the team, that they are ready. When you talk about a plan, there’s a short-term plan, which is absolutely qualification for the Euros.
“Part of my vision for that is to make sure we’re all on the same page in terms of clarity and mindset. This team does not need to be completely revamped and redrawn.
“There is a core group of players here whose visions are clear, and there’s a wonderful group of young players coming behind them and ready to learn.
“So, it’s all about how best to simplify, clarify, and put them in position to put in great performances consistently.
“We’ve seen the team at its best, but it’s about how we deliver that consistently.
“If we can do that, qualification is absolutely something we’ll be doing in the next year.”
Sophie Ingle in a training session with Wales ahead of tomorrow’s friendly v Republic of Ireland pic.twitter.com/czByWl0uYu
— Chelsea women team (@CFC__Women) February 26, 2024