Osian Roberts: Wales assistant manager appointed Morocco’s Technical Director

BBC- Osian Roberts has been named Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s technical director on a five-year deal.

Roberts joins Morocco in September, leaving his roles as Football Association of Wales’ technical director and assistant manager.

The 54-year-old worked as assistant manager to Gary Speed, Chris Coleman and current boss Ryan Giggs.

The FAW said they “thank Osian for his commitment to Welsh football and wish him well in future endeavours”.

Roberts was initially appointed technical director of the FAW Trust in 2007 before joining Gary Speed’s coaching staff in 2010.

Analysis from BBC Sport Wales’ football correspondent Rob Phillips:

“It’s the end of an era for grassroots and senior international football in Wales.

“Having also sold the top job, his role in the Ryan Giggs set up has clearly diminished from the key influence he had under Gary Speed and as part of Chris Coleman’s Euro 2016 trailblazers, but his imprint goes far deeper.

“His work with the FAW Trust since 2007 has been definitive – from setting up coaching courses attracting the likes of Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Mikael Arteta to transforming the player development structure which has brought through the likes of Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Ethan Ampadu.

“Roberts is going, but his effects on Welsh football will last long beyond.”