Rhian Wilkinson says she extended her spell as Wales head coach because she has unfinished business in the role.
But Wilkinson is quick to point out that the targets of her tenure go beyond next year’s Women’s World Cup and the 2029 European Championship, with the former Canada defender intent on leaving a legacy which will make Wales serial contenders to reach major tournaments.
Wales continue their bid for a place at Brazil 2027 in qualifiers against Montenegro in Podgorica on Friday, 5 June and the Czech Republic in Cardiff four days later.
They are Wales’ first matches since Wilkinson agreed a two-year contract extension.
The 44-year-old says being Wales boss has been “much harder” but also “much better” than she expected – and that she is relishing the prospect of remaining at the helm until 2029.
“I sat down with my family and we looked at the different options for the next few years of my career and to be honest none of them felt right,” Wilkinson added.
“I don’t think this project is finished.
“That doesn’t mean that I’m going to be the one who gets us to the next World Cup or does something amazing next. I just feel like I can help raise the level another notch before the next coach comes in and drives [Wales] forward again.
“That is what the job is of the coach is, to continually drive the team forward, and I don’t think I’m finished with that project.”
- Clark, Holland and Hughes named in Wales squad
- ‘Strong leader’ Wilkinson backed to grow after new deal
- Wales boss Wilkinson signs contract extension
Qualification will come with squad depth
Wilkinson was appointed Wales boss in February 2024, following Gemma Grainger’s surprise resignation.
The former Canada international enjoyed instant success, guiding the land of her mother to Euro 2025, the first women’s major tournament in the nation’s history.
Wales are now in contention for a Women’s World Cup debut, though there is much work to do with up to three play-off rounds to come after the group stage concludes next month.
Former Wales captain and coach Kath Morgan suggested after Wilkinson’s new deal was agreed that her reign would “be judged on qualification”.
Wilkinson, however, sees things differently.
She acknowledges that reaching at least one more major championship is “the goal” , but believes other factors will be involved in deciding whether her spell in charge is deemed a success.
“I just think we put a lot of emphasis on [qualifying] and we do as a team – internally and externally we’ve been very clear with our ambition,” Wilkinson said.
“But what is our gauge of success and failure?
“How as a staffing team do we make sure that the legacy of our time working for this programme is that we’re leaving it in a really healthy environment where this team doesn’t name itself, where we’ve got depth and different options in every position across the field?
“If we can do that well, we will qualify for major tournaments.”
Wilkinson points out that Wales’ most recent squad get-together, for the two wins over Albania in April, featured 11 players under the age of 23.
With the likes of Jess Fishlock and Kayleigh Barton retired – and various others within the group heading towards the end of their careers – Wales have no choice but to give younger players a chance.
Wilkinson has regularly included youngsters in her squad, with Manchester United defender Scarlett Hill and Bournemouth midfielder Elena Cole among those who will attempt to make a mark in the June camp.
Wilkinson says the development of future regulars is a “major part” of he job, but it is not the top priority.
“I come from a youth background and I believe in trying to give opportunity to the younger players and to make space for them to do that,” she said.
“But equally I think success is measured by wins and losses.
“We know that and we’ve got a pretty exciting campaign we’re right in the middle of with some really important games around the corner.”