Ryan Giggs is one of the most iconic footballers in Premier League history. With 13 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, and a legendary career that spanned over 25 years at Manchester United, Giggs’ name is synonymous with success. He is also a former Wales manager, having led the national team to qualification for Euro 2020. So, what happened to this football legend? Why is Ryan Giggs’ football career comeback seemingly stalled despite his illustrious history in the sport?
This article explores the events that led to Giggs’ fall from grace, his attempts to rebuild his career, and whether he will ever return to the managerial hot seat.
Ryan Giggs: From Football Icon to Controversy
Ryan Giggs’ playing career was extraordinary, but his post-retirement journey has been far from smooth. Giggs is widely regarded as one of the best players to ever grace the Premier League. He made a record 963 appearances for Manchester United, contributing significantly to the club’s dominance in English football throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
However, Giggs’ transition from player to manager was marred by legal controversies that derailed his progress. In 2020, Giggs was arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse after an alleged incident involving his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville. This was followed by a highly publicized trial in which Giggs was charged with assault and coercive control. The trial ended with no conviction, as the charges were dropped in 2023 after Greville withdrew from giving evidence for a retrial.
While Giggs always denied the charges, the media storm and the revelations during the trial undoubtedly left a stain on his reputation. Despite being cleared in court, many have questioned whether he will be able to return to top-tier football.
Ryan Giggs Football Career Comeback: The Salford City Role
In the aftermath of the trial, Giggs’ career appeared uncertain. He stepped down as manager of the Wales national team in 2020, a role he had held since 2018. Although Wales qualified for Euro 2020 under his leadership, Giggs was unable to experience the tournament himself due to the legal proceedings. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) ultimately appointed Robert Page as the interim manager, and Giggs never returned to the role.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for Giggs’ football career comeback. In March 2023, Giggs was appointed as the Director of Football at Salford City, a League Two club he co-owns with his former Manchester United teammates, including Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Phil Neville. While the position is not as high-profile as managing a national team or a top-flight club, it has provided Giggs with an opportunity to re-enter the footballing world, albeit on a more modest scale.
Salford City’s ambitions are clear, and the club has enjoyed success since Giggs’ arrival. They are currently sitting in a strong position in the League Two promotion race, occupying third place in the automatic promotion spots. Giggs has been praised for his contributions at Salford, with manager Karl Robinson describing his input as “outstanding.” Giggs has also featured prominently in the club’s behind-the-scenes documentary on Sky TV, giving fans a chance to see his influence on the club’s operations.
The Challenges of a Ryan Giggs Football Career Comeback
Despite these positive signs, Giggs’ return to football management on a broader scale faces several hurdles. One of the most significant obstacles is his tarnished public image. The charges against Giggs were highly publicized, and the subsequent trial brought details of his personal life into the public eye. The revelations, including the abusive messages he sent to his ex-girlfriend and his admission of infidelity, have made it difficult for many to see him as the clean-cut role model he once was.
In the world of modern football, image is everything, and this tarnished reputation could impact his prospects of returning to a high-profile managerial role. The controversy surrounding his personal life and the ongoing discussion about whether he can be trusted in positions of power have made some clubs wary of taking a chance on him.
Ryan Giggs Football Career Comeback: Can He Return to Management?
Many within the footballing world still believe that Giggs has the potential to make a successful football career comeback. His record as a player speaks for itself, and he showed promise as a manager during his short spell in charge of Manchester United as an interim manager in 2014. Giggs’ experience with the Welsh national team also demonstrated his ability to manage at the international level.
However, the path back to management is not easy. There are several factors that will influence whether Giggs can reclaim a top managerial position:
1. The Public Perception
The way football fans, sponsors, and media outlets perceive Giggs will be a key factor in his football career comeback. Public opinion is often shaped by social media and media coverage, and Giggs has been a polarizing figure since the allegations emerged. As mentioned earlier, football’s fanbase has evolved, with a growing percentage of female supporters who may view his controversial past as unacceptable for someone in a leadership role.
A club looking to hire Giggs will have to consider the potential backlash, both from fans and commercial partners, especially when it comes to his reputation with women’s advocacy groups. Domestic abuse charities, like Women’s Aid, have expressed their concern over Giggs’ visible role at Salford and the possibility of his return to a more prominent managerial position.
2. The Competitive Nature of Football
Football management is an extremely competitive field, and clubs often prioritize younger, emerging managers. While Giggs’ pedigree as a player is undeniable, many clubs may be hesitant to take a risk on a manager with his background, especially when there are plenty of younger coaches with a fresh approach and less baggage.
However, there are exceptions. Giggs could find opportunities at clubs with more tolerance for his past and who value his experience and winning mentality. As Tim Jotischky, a reputation management expert, points out, “A manager is not just coaching a group of players; he is also an ambassador.” Giggs’ track record as a player – a serial winner with Manchester United – could be appealing to clubs looking for a leader who demands high standards.
3. The International Stage
If Giggs is to mount a successful football career comeback, it might be easier for him to do so abroad. As Jotischky suggests, overseas clubs may be more willing to overlook his past, as long as they believe in his abilities as a manager. A stint in a less scrutinized league could provide Giggs with the chance to rebuild his career without the same level of media pressure and public scrutiny that he would face in the UK.
4. Time and Reflection
Giggs himself has expressed a desire to return to management one day. “I loved managing Wales, obviously. I do miss it, so hopefully,” he said in a recent interview. However, he also emphasized that he is currently content in his role at Salford City, where he enjoys working closely with the team. This balance of personal reflection and professional ambition could be the key to his eventual return to the top of the footballing world.
Ryan Giggs Football Career Comeback: What’s Next?
For now, it seems that Giggs is in no rush to jump back into high-level management. He has already experienced a career full of triumphs, and he is content to contribute to Salford City’s success as Director of Football. However, as he himself has said, football management is where his heart lies, and it is clear that he would like to return to a managerial role at some point in the future.
Whether he can overcome the challenges posed by his controversial past and the competitive nature of football remains to be seen. The desire for a Ryan Giggs football career comeback is there, but it will take time and a thoughtful approach to make it happen.
In the meantime, Giggs has other pursuits to keep him busy, from his business interests to supporting his son Zach’s football career. As for his future in football management, only time will tell if Ryan Giggs can stage the ultimate comeback and reclaim his place among the game’s elite.
