GUNTER NAMED HEAD COACH OF WALES UNDER-19S FOR UEFA CHAMPIONSHIP

Chris Gunter has taken charge of Wales Under-19s ahead of the Uefa Men's Under-19 Championship finals, which begin on Sunday in north Wales. Gunter, who earned 109 caps for Wales during his playing career, won his first senior international cap against New Zealand in Wrexham in 2007 at the age of 17. He is now 36 and will manage a squad of players considerably younger than he was when he made his senior debut. Some members of his under-19 squad were not born when Gunter first represented Wales internationally.

Gunter joined the Football Association of Wales as a national team development coach following his retirement at the end of the 2022-23 season. He assumed charge of the under-19s in 2024 after previously managing the under-17 side, returning to the under-19 role when Craig Knight departed for Wrexham. Gunter played for Cardiff City, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest during his career and was part of the Wales squad that reached the semi-finals of the European Championship in 2016. His players have described him as a strong role model; Crewe Alexandra defender Stan Dancey stated that Gunter's experience of playing in significant matches for Wales provides valuable guidance, whilst Brighton defender Adam Brett praised his mentoring.

The under-19 championship will be held at home soil in north Wales, a significant opportunity for the young Welsh squad. Several players competing in the tournament cited the 2016 European Championship as a formative memory, having watched Wales' run to the semi-finals whilst in primary school. Gunter's appointment brings considerable experience to the role, with his knowledge of the Welsh football structure and international environment expected to benefit player development during the finals.