Chris Gunter is back where his Wales story began, but this time in the dugout. The 36-year-old is now head coach of Wales Under-19s, who will serve as hosts for the UEFA Men’s Under-19 Championship finals in north Wales, beginning on Sunday.
Gunter earned 109 caps for Wales during his playing career and was part of the Euro 2016 squad before retiring at the end of the 2022-23 season. He joined the Football Association of Wales as a national team development coach before taking charge of the under-19s in 2024. His playing days took him through clubs including Cardiff City, Spurs and Nottingham Forest.
The age gap between coach and players is stark — some members of Gunter’s squad were not even born when he made his senior international debut. He acknowledged the fact with good humour. “They definitely wouldn’t have been watching,” he joked.
Despite that, his reputation carries real weight in the dressing room. “We all look up to him,” said Crewe Alexandra defender Stan Dancey, 19. “We’ve got a manager who’s been there, done everything, played one of the most important games for Wales. The advice he’s given us — when he was our age, just go out there, enjoy it and do the best you can.”
Brighton’s Adam Brett echoed the sentiment. “He’s a really good role model to have as a coach and he’s a great guy as well. I’m sure he can help us, tutor us, because he’s been in the Welsh set-up for so long.”
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
