New Wales Women's head coach Rhian Wilkinson says she hopes her players can earn her trust.
Wilkinson, 41, has agreed to remain Wales manager until 2027, his first job since his “painful” and “challenging” exit from Portland Thorns following his resignation in 2022.
Wilkinson was investigated for his relationships with players and left after winning the NWSL Championship.
“I'm not going to speak for the players…but trust is something that is earned over time,” she said.
“I hope that my resume, my character, my career will outweigh this unfortunate event that happened to me.
“I think it's important to mention [the departure from Portland] And the press discusses it because they want to make sure that we move on and are talking about the euro right away.
“The players just want to play, they're ready to play. They're not going to trust me completely like a new coach.
“If the players have any questions, we can help.
“But we need to move forward because we are focused on Euro qualifying.”
The former Canada international has been appointed as Wales' new manager after former manager Gemma Grainger resigned to take over as Norway's manager, starting next week with Euro 2025 qualifiers ahead of qualifying starting in April. A lottery will be held.
Wilkinson had a storied career as both a player and a coach, but by her own admission, her reputation was tarnished by her departure from Portland.
A former England international and Team GB assistant coach, Wilkinson has had great success leading Portland to the 2022 NWSL Championship in his first season as head coach.
She was subsequently investigated by the NWSL and the National Women's Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) for her alleged relationship with a Portland player.
Although she was cleared of any wrongdoing after a three-week investigation, the players claimed she had breached their trust and Wilkinson was suspended in December 2022 due to the fact that he had “lost the dressing room”. I resigned.
“Staying safe is the most important thing.”
Wilkinson, who won 183 caps for Canada, spoke openly and honestly about leaving Portland, even though it was a “painful” experience.
“It's obviously easy to Google, so this is part of my reality and I've been open about everything,” she said.
“Safety is extremely important, not just in women's football, but in sports in general, and we see that all over the world. We have to look after the safety of our players.
“I came forward when I thought there was something to be investigated, and after a thorough investigation it was found that I had done nothing and I was completely vindicated in that respect. I did.
“It's very public and it's very painful. I haven't always been able to say what I wanted to say.
“It was a very challenging part of my life.
“I don't think it would take much effort to investigate my character and reputation. You'll find this murmuring…My example was painful, but we believe in investigations and people coming forward. Is required.
“I hope that the work I've done will at least keep people talking about me.
“I continue to answer questions about it because I think it's important. I have a strong character and I believe I've done a lot of good for the game.”
“I hope that my resume, my personality and my background will outweigh this unfortunate event that happened to me.”
“This is no more demotion than any other job I’ve ever had.”
Mr. Wilkinson was furious at suggestions that he only took the job in Wales because his reputation had been damaged by leaving Portland.
The Olympic bronze medalist said she was aware of the fact that her departure from her previous role had cast a shadow over her appointment, but said the Wales job was the one she had wanted, and some She said she understands that people will think her reputation has been tarnished.
“There's been so much cheating in sports that when someone is investigated, people assume they did something,” she says.
“We felt it was important to follow that process because there was abuse of power and people were being harmed.
” [Portland] I had to resign because the players didn't feel comfortable, but I felt it was the right thing to do.”
Ms Wilkinson said she turned down other roles before taking the Wales job.
“I had other coaching opportunities last year, but it wasn't the right time. It hurt a lot,” she said.
“I was made an example of, which is also difficult.
“But it would be cynical to say that I only got this job because I quit my previous job.
“Because no one knows how many countries and teams have actually offered me a job, but this is what I wanted.
“It's an honor to take this job. It's no more of a demotion than any other job I've had. I believe in FAW and I know FAW. I've earned all my coaching badges here and my team is in the world championship.'' Trying to do something great is a big reason why I'm here.
“But it's also because I feel for Wales. I want to support this team as they make history.”
“It feels like a full circle moment.”
Despite being born in Canada, Wilkinson has deep ties to Wales, having lived in Cowbridge for 18 months as a child.
Mr Wilkinson, who was born to a Welsh mother and English father, says he has deep ties to Wales.
“It's nice to be in a country where you can pronounce my name, but that wasn't the case in Canada or the United States,” she added.
“My mother is Welsh, went to school in Cowbridge, lived in Llantwit Major and grew up in Bonvilson. My father is English.
“During my sabbatical here, I attended Bonfern School with my brother and sister.
“My grandparents live in Cowbridge, I have cousins in Gabalfa in Cardiff, I have cousins in Penarth with my aunt and uncle, so a lot of my family is here.
“I'm Canadian, but Wales has always been my second home.
“Coming home felt like coming full circle and I don’t think my mom could have been more proud.
“I'm really proud to be sitting here today. This is a special role.”
