Wales manager Rob Page has been sacked in a surprise move from the FAW.

The decision, whilst surprising, came after Wales’ dismal summer friendlies where they drew 0-0 with Gibraltar and lost 4-0 to Slovakia, having just missed out on EUROs qualification on penalties against Poland.

Fans had expressed their frustration at Page during the loss to Slovakia with boos and heckles coming from the away crowd.

On the Sportin Wales podcast last week, Wales striker Sam Vokes and talkSPORT’s Laurence Mora expressed their support for Page,

However, the FAW decided to remove him from post, despite declaring their support for him as recently as March after the play-off against Poland.

In a statement, Noel Mooney, CEO of the FAW said: “On behalf of myself and the entire FAW, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rob for his commitment and dedication to his roles for the National Teams.”

“Under Rob Page’s leadership, our Cymru men’s team has achieved significant milestones and victories which have created many incredible memories for our nation, most notably our first World Cup in sixty-four years.”

Page spent 23 months as an interim coach before getting the role permanently in September 2022 and in the eyes of some including Mora he has never received the credit he deserves for his successes with Wales.

On hearing the news, Vokes said: “Wow, I’m pretty shocked.”

“I Didn’t see that coming. Especially surprised with the timing after 2 summer friendlies and the backing in him after the play-offs.

“Although the FAW may be looking at giving someone new a fresh start going into the autumn Nations League fixtures.”

The fan reaction has seen the vast majority supporting the decision to remove Page from post.

One comment said that Page had “worked to the best of his abilities and got us to the EUROs and the World Cup, which he can be proud of. However, it is clear his abilities are not good enough for this group of players and it is time to move on.”

One of Page’s mantras in recent times has been to call Wales a ‘team in transition’ during the post Gareth Bale and Joe Allen era.

This mantra was heard after the loss to Slovakia with fans chanting it at Page.

After the news one fan said: “It’s about time, probably two or three years too late.”

“The stereotype of plucky little Wales went away years ago, a ‘team in transition’ shouldn’t be drawing with Gibraltar and getting stuffed by Slovakia.”

However, whilst the majority feel Page should have gone, others feel he has “paid the price Wales’ overachievement in recent years”.

One fan said: “Honourable man, Page, unlucky not to have the sprinkling of stardust that his predecessors enjoyed.”

Whilst another put: “Getting sacked over two meaningless friendlies, regardless of how miserable the results were – when senior players were out, seems counterintuitive.”

Despite the criticism from fans and pundits, Page was a player’s favourite epitomised by the under-pressure performance from Wales when they face Croatia in October last year.

Aaron Ramsey posted on X (twitter): “It has been a journey we can all be proud of from the euros to taking Wales to a World Cup for the first time since ‘58.”

“I personally just want to thank you for all you have done for me🙏🏼

“You have been a privilege to work with, a gentleman and true family man.

“Myself and the team will forever be grateful for your guidance. These past few years are years we will treasure.

“Thank you, Rambo.”

Expect more and more players to express their gratitude to Page over the coming hours and days.