“I know he was very disappointed to leave Wales,” Dave Adams, the FAW’s director of football, who worked with Giggs for a year, told BBC Sport.
“We qualified for the Euros, which is a big achievement, but he never had the chance to go there with the team.
“I’m sure it was really hard for him and I guess he still has that drive to feel the success as a head coach that he had as a player.
“When managers are out of the game, you can consider coming back as an assistant, but it has to be at a level of work that respects you and your experience.
“If there was a former team-mate who was managing somewhere, it would be an easy fit, but in this generation there aren’t many players at the level that would benefit him.
“It’s a very competitive market and young coaches are very prominent now, so there won’t be many opportunities that will suit him.
“If you were a club owner, you could still boast a track record as a player who was part of a winning culture, a serial winner, someone who demands high standards.
“His achievements in Wales demonstrate how successfully he has managed the transition, which is what owners now expect from managers. The game is moving very fast, but the last time I spoke to Ryan he was spending a lot of time watching the games, so he’s up to date and I’m sure he’d be able to adapt.
However, others have concerns. In 2023, domestic violence activists expressed their disappointment, external after CPS decided not to retrial.
BBC Sport asked the charity Women’s Aid about Giggs’ more visible role at Salford City and the prospect of him returning to coaching.
The statement said it was “disheartening that the alleged harassers are believed to have returned to positions of influence and power.”
“Football is a global sport that millions of young boys and men miss, many of whom look up to players, managers and executives as role models,” it continues.
“Football clubs and the sports industry have a responsibility to uphold the respect, equality and safety of women and children.
“Women’s Aid has shown how influential this partnership can be by working with football clubs. We hope more clubs will follow these examples and take the opportunity to make real change.”
Giggs has not yet addressed the issue in the interview and BBC Sport has been told it will not comment on the matter at this stage.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester ahead of the FA Cup match, he confirmed he wanted to return to management “one day”.
“I worked as Wales manager and I loved it,” Giggs said. “At the moment I’m enjoying my job at Salford as director of football and I’m enjoying watching the team, I’m happy where I’m at, but ultimately I’d like to get back into management. On match day I’m still as excited as ever, maybe even more so. than ever.”
