Is Fishlock Considering a New Role with Wales?

Jess Fishlock, the record appearance maker and goalscorer for the Wales women's football team, is exploring a potential coaching role with the national team following her retirement from international play. Under manager Rhian Wilkinson, Fishlock's involvement could be pivotal as Wales prepares for the Euro 2025 qualifiers, marking a significant transition for the team.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Wales gears up for crucial World Cup qualifying matches, Jess Fishlock's potential return in a coaching capacity has generated significant interest. Following Wilkinson's comments in December about wanting Fishlock to join her staff, there has been an outpouring of support from fans and team members alike. Fishlock herself is taking her time to flesh out the details, indicating a thoughtful approach to her next steps in the sport.

Key takeaways

Jess Fishlock is considering a coaching role with the Wales women's team.
She retired from international football after Euro 2025 last October.
Fishlock remains closely connected with her former teammates despite stepping away from playing.

Timeline: how we got here

Fishlock's journey with the Wales national team has been remarkable. Here’s a brief timeline outlining key events leading up to her potential coaching role:

October 2022: Fishlock announces her retirement from international football.
December 2022: Manager Rhian Wilkinson expresses interest in bringing Fishlock onto her coaching staff.
March 2023: Wales begins World Cup qualifying matches, with Fishlock's potential involvement a topic of discussion.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Fishlock has confirmed that she is in discussions with Wilkinson regarding a coaching role but has not finalised any details. The news of her potential involvement has excited fans and players, highlighting her significant experience and leadership.

What was already established

Fishlock has a storied career with Wales, having played 166 caps and scored 48 goals. Her retirement after Euro 2025 was seen as a natural transition, allowing younger players to step into leadership roles. However, her ongoing connection to the team suggests that her influence could still be felt on the pitch in a different capacity.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the national team prepares for international competition, the success of the Wales women's team can foster national pride and unity. It may also influence grassroots engagement, encouraging young girls to pursue football.

Businesses and jobs

Increased interest in women's football can lead to economic benefits for local communities, especially in terms of increased attendance at matches, merchandise sales, and sponsorship opportunities for women's sports.

Policy and regulation

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) continues to push for greater investment in women's football, a movement that Wilkinson and Fishlock are likely to support. This could lead to enhanced funding and resources for women's football in schools and local clubs.

Numbers that matter

166: The number of caps Fishlock earned, making her the record holder for Wales.
48: Goals scored by Fishlock, placing her as the all-time leading scorer for the Welsh national team.
3: Number of matches Wales played at Euro 2025, where they unfortunately did not win any games.

Definitions and jargon buster

FAW: Football Association of Wales - the governing body for football in Wales.
Caps: An appearance made by a player in a match at the international level.
NWSL: National Women's Soccer League - the top professional women's soccer league in the United States.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As discussions continue, expect more clarity on Fishlock's role with the team. Fans should look out for official announcements regarding her coaching position and any associated changes in the team's strategy as they prepare for qualifying matches.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the medium term, the team's performance during qualification for the Women's World Cup will be critical. Fishlock's experience could play a significant role in guiding the younger players through this competitive phase.

Signals to watch

Official announcements from the FAW regarding coaching staff changes.
Performance metrics from Wales’ upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.
Social media engagement with fans showing support for Fishlock's potential return.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the Welsh women's team by attending matches or following them online.
Engage with local women's football programmes to promote grassroots participation.
Stay updated on team news through official channels to catch any changes regarding coaching staff.

Don’t

Don't underestimate the impact of experienced players in coaching roles.
Don't ignore the importance of community support for women's sports.

Checklist

Follow the FAW for updates on team changes.
Engage with local women's football initiatives.
Stay informed about the team's performance in qualifiers.
Support women's football through social media channels.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Fishlock's potential coaching role is promising, it is essential to consider that plans may change based on various factors including team performance, management decisions, and external pressures in women's football. The evolving landscape in sports can also bring unexpected challenges, such as injuries or shifts in player dynamics.

Bottom line

Jess Fishlock’s transition from player to potential coach could be a pivotal moment for Wales women’s football. Her extensive experience and leadership qualities can greatly benefit the younger players as they aim for success in upcoming competitions. As the team prepares for their qualifying matches, the support of fans and the community will be crucial in fostering a thriving environment for women’s football in the UK.

FAQs

What is Jess Fishlock's current role with the Wales women's team?

Jess Fishlock is exploring a potential coaching role with the Wales women's team after her retirement from international football.

How many caps did Jess Fishlock earn for Wales?

Jess Fishlock earned a record 166 caps for the Wales women's national team, making her the most capped player in the team's history.

What were Wales' results at Euro 2025?

Wales lost all three of their matches at Euro 2025, finishing with the worst group stage record in the tournament's history.