Gary Speed In Talks To Become New Wales Manager

After weeks of speculation it appears that Gary Speed has been identified as the man to become the new Wales Manager following the departure of John Toshack, there have been all sorts of names linked to the job but the FAW have decided that Speed is the man they want. Speed is a hugely popular figure in Wales having played for the country more times than any other out-field player but he is relatively inexperienced when it comes to Management, he has only been in charge of Sheffield United since August and to date that is his only experience as a Manager. Nevertheless it is clear that Speed's reputation as a player is considered good enough and he will be hoping to follow Mark Hughes who used the Welsh job to gain valuable experience before going onto manage in the Premier League with some success.

The Blades have given Speed permission to speak to the FAW and he could now be appointed within 48 hours if talks go through without a hitch as expected, it will be a good opportunity for Speed despite Wales having no chance of qualifying for Euro 2012. The team have struggled so far in qualification and when Speed is appointed he will already be starting to plan for the World Cup 2014 qualifiers; there is however the small matter of two games against England to look forward to and Speed will no doubt relish the opportunity to pit his wits against Fabio Capello.

It was reported that Lars Lagerback was the favourite for the Welsh job but after being interviewed it appears that the FAW prefer the home grown option of Speed, it has to be said though that Speed has had a tough spell in charge of Sheffield United with the team currently sitting down in 20th place and just one point above the relegation zone. The Welsh fans will be hoping that is not a sign of things to come as they look to make strides through qualification, there are some good young players in Wales and Speed will be charged with bringing the best out of the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. Brian Flynn has been in temporary charge of the side but after failing to impress he now looks like heading back to the U21 job with Spped taking the top job, it is a risky move for a promising Manager but if he can make a success of the Wales job it could be the first rung on the ladder ahead of a successful career.