Wales Women new manager latest as FAW hope to have Jayne Ludlow's successor in post for April matches

Wales Women will kick off preparations for their 2023 World Cup bid in April when it is hoped their new manager will be in post.

The Football Association of Wales is conducting final-stage interviews for the new boss this week, following Jayne Ludlow's departure in January.

The single-figure shortlist, which was whittled down after more than 60 candidates applied for the role, features applicants who all have a UEFA Pro Licence and "extensive" experience in elite women's football.

Despite uncertainty over the future of FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford, who is said to be on gardening leave after a no confidence motion was passed, the interview process for Wales Women's manager is running to schedule and is continuing as planned.

Football bosses hope to have Ludlow's successor in place for Wales' camp in April - providing contracts can be agreed by then - when they will face Canada and Denmark in two behind-closed-doors friendlies.

Wales are due to face Canada, ranked 8th in the world, on Friday, April 9, at a venue yet to be confirmed.

They will then face Denmark on Tuesday, April 13, when they return to Cardiff City Stadium after facing Norway there last October.

The April camp, which will be the second of 2021, will see Wales begin their preparations for their 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in September after the draw and fixtures are confirmed on April 30.

The friendlies will mark the second time Wales have come up against each side, having played Canada in the 2002 Algarve Cup and Denmark - ranked 14th in the world - in a friendly in 2011.

Wales and Arsenal stalwart Ludlow left her role by mutual consent in January after Wales narrowly failed to qualify for a major tournament for the second consecutive qualification campaign. They will miss out on the Euros in 2022 in England, but will now target the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Unlike Ludlow, the new manager will work full time with the senior team and will not, as Ludlow was, have to also manage the age-group sides.