'Strong leader' Wilkinson backed to break more ground

'Strong leader' Wilkinson backed to break more groundImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Rhian Wilkinson's Wales have taken 10 points from their first four Women's World Cup qualifying gamesByGareth VincentBBC Sport WalesPublished2 minutes agoRhian Wilkinson has already made history as Wales head coach by leading the nation to a first women's major tournament.Her new contract is evidence that the Football Association of Wales (FAW) believe she can break more new ground in the future.Wilkinson has always said there are more landmarks to reach after Wales' appearance at Euro 2025.She will now get a crack at qualifying for the next European Championship, as well as next year's Women's World Cup, with former Wales international turned pundit Nia Jones hailing Wilkinson's contract extension as "great news"."Wales have been on an upward trajectory for the last few years but she has been absolutely integral in turning a corner, turning what has been a team of nearly women essentially into achievers," Jones said."As the achievements have grown, the expectations have too."She has welcomed that and she has welcomed accountability, which to me is a great sign of a really strong female leader."Wales boss Wilkinson signs contract extensionPublished6 hours agoLessons to be learned as Wales chase top spot Published19 AprilWilkinson was appointed in February 2024, six weeks after predecessor Gemma Grainger stood down to take charge of Norway.Grainger had come within sight of ending Wales' wait for a first appearance at a women's major tournament, but her team lost out to Switzerland in the 2023 World Cup play-offs.Wilkinson took charge of a squad who were in decent shape, even if they had just been relegated from the top tier of the Nations League after a difficult campaign in the autumn of 2023.But after others had come close, it was Wilkinson who found a formula to carry Wales over the...