Chris Gunter, 17-year-old, returns to Racecourse as head coach of Wales U19 team

Chris Gunter made his senior Wales international debut as a 17-year-old against New Zealand at Racecourse in 2007, and today he's back at it again. But the role has changed — from player to head coach of the U-19 national team. Gunter, 36, who has a record 109 appearances for Wales, will be the head coach of the Wales Under-19 team, which will host the final of the UEFA Men's Under-19 in North Wales. The tournament will begin on Sunday. Coach Gunter recognizes that some of the young players on his team may not have seen the results early in their careers. For example, some players had not yet been born when Gunter made his first team debut. But his reputation and performances — including being a mainstay of the Euro 2016 squad — have earned him the respect of a new generation of players. "They almost certainly haven't seen that episode," Gunter joked when talking about his teenage self's debut. Players have praised his role. Crewe Alexandra defender Stan Dancey, 19, said: “We all look up to him. We have managers who have been through every level of the stage. Played an important game for Wales. We can take an example from him. He always gave us advice, like when he was the same age as us. Go enjoy the game and do your best.” Gunter joins the Welsh Football Association as national team development coach after announcing his retirement at the end of the 2022-23 season. He will take charge of the U19s in 2024 and then the U17s. before returning to manage the U-19 team Again when Craig Knight moved to Wrexham. Brighton's Adam Brett praised Gunter, saying: “He is a great role model and a great person. I'm sure he can help tutor us. Because he's been in the national team for a long time." Cardiff City right-back Jack Thomas recalled childhood memories from Euro 2016, saying he was a primary school child and vividly remembers watching the game with his friends at school and then going back to the playground to imitate. Other players also brought up memories from the 2016 tournament, such as wins over Slovakia, Russia, Northern Ireland. and Belgium in the quarter-finals. That included Gareth's free kick. Bale and Sam Vox's crucial header, plus Gunter's cross that set up Vox's third goal in a 3-1 victory over Belgium at Lille. It is still one of the memories of Wales fans. Like the chin-lifting gesture to fans after losing to England in the group stage. Gunter's U19 side face tough battle in UEFA finals They will face nine-time champions Spain in their opening game at Racecourse on Sunday at 18:00 BST. “It is a small tournament with only eight teams. We have to play with the best team. But we believe in our own abilities. If we hold on and trust each other I am confident that we will reach our goal.”