With the bookmakers slashing the odds of Gary Speed being the next Wales manager from 40-1 down to 2-1, it seems somebody knows something. The rumours are getting stronger that the Welsh FA are about to approach Sheffield United regarding their manager.
Wales have been on the look-out for a new gaffer after John Toshack stood down in September and they are now weighing-up a move for the former midfielder. The 41-year-old has only been a manager since August, when he took over from Kevin Blackwell at Bramall Lane.
In that time the rookie gaffer has had a decent start to his managerial career, winning six of his 17 matches in charge of the Championship side. With Wales struggling in the early stages of their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, the Welsh FA will be aware that Speed's appointment would be a hit amongst the few fans that actually turn up to watch the national side. During his stellar career, Speed earned 86 caps for Wales and is held in high esteem by the Welsh public. Having said that, whoever they appoint you won't get many people placing football bets on Wales reaching Euro 2012.
The Wales job would be a full-time gig and it would seem unlikely that Sheffield United would be keen on having to look for their third manager of the season. Any move would probably be down to whether Speed thinks he is ready to take the role at the age of 41. The former Leeds, Everton and Newcastle midfielder is remaining calm over the whole situation.
"I've not heard anything - it's nothing, just speculation so I have nothing to say on that," he said.
Speed still isn't the favourite for the job in the football betting, however, former Sweden boss Lars Lagerback still leads the way. The experienced manager took his country to two World Cups during his nine years in charge and most recently Nigeria this summer in South Africa. Largerback certainly has the experience needed to take the job but the Welsh FA know how important it is to start getting the public back on side and that could sway any decision.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment