Matty Jones has confirmed that Neil Taylor will join his coaching staff for the upcoming 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.
Taylor brings a wealth of experience to the role having progressed through Cymru’s intermediate sides before going on to make 43 appearances at senior level.
The former defender played a key role in helping Cymru qualify for Euro 2016, their first major tournament for 58 years.
He announced his retirement from football last year but has continued his coaching journey, which he began as a teenager during his time playing at Wrexham.
The 34-year-old, who is an FAW-educated coach and currently working towards his UEFA Pro Licence, has already spent time coaching Aston Villa’s under-16s and Cymru’s other intermediate sides.
Former Cymru goalkeeper Boaz Myhill will continue with the under-21 side as goalkeeper coach throughout the qualifying campaign after working with Cymru’s other intermediate sides.
The FAW’s Head of Player Development Richard Williams will also join Taylor and Myhill in making up Jones’ coaching staff.
Neil Taylor said: “I’m delighted to have been given the chance to join the coaching team with this highly talented under-21s group.
“Having walked the path that the players are currently on during my playing days, I feel I can have a positive impact on their careers.
“I appreciate the opportunity that Matty has given me and now I can’t wait to start working with the players and building towards the next qualifying campaign.”
Cymru U21 head coach Matty Jones added: “I’m really pleased that Neil has agreed to commit and invest his time to his country yet again by coming onboard as our assistant coach for the upcoming campaign.
“I think this will be such positive news to not only our players and staffing group, but also to our nation, which Neil has been a fantastic ambassador for.
“We’re very privileged to have his experience and level of quality supporting what we do to deliver the best to our players.”
Cymru discovered their opponents for their upcoming UEFA Euro Under-21 qualifying campaign in February and kick off their campaign with a trip to Denmark in June.
