The Football Association of Wales have confirmed that Geraint Williams will take over the Under-21s squad as coach.
The 50-year-old was one of the main candidates considered by Wales first-team manager Chris Coleman following the departure of Brian Flynn.
Williams, who won 13 caps for the national side during his playing days, has had previous experience with current Wales assistant manager Kit Symons during a two-year tenure at Colchester United.
The Welshman has been out of work since March 2010, when he was sacked as manager of Leyton Orient.
