It is being reported that John Toshack is to resign as Wales manager in the aftermath of last Friday's spirit sapping 1-0 Euro'2012 opener defeat in Montenegro in which every player in the red shirt, with a possible exception or two only, produced performances way below their club form and reasonable expectations. Tosh was demoralised after the game cutting a lonely figure and is believed to have informed colleages and the FAW of his intention to quit and also recommending Manchester United's Ryan Giggs as his successor. He is expected to formalise his resignation during this week.
Under Toshack, Wales have been mediocre during his 6 year tenure and have lost 6 of their last 9 internationals. The occasional friendly success and strong result (such as a World Cup draw in Germany) is undermined by the realisation that the only nations Wales have beaten in competitive matches are the equally poor, or even worse, outfits of Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Northern Ireland, San Marino and Slovakia.
However, one of the curious aspects, is that reports suggest that he may yet stay on for another two games, the double header at home to Bulgaria and away in Switzerland late next month.
Cards on table, I thought John Toshack would do a good job for Wales but it's been anything but. He found out, to the nation's cost, that his old school ways no longer work in the modern game.
Aloof from the fans, infuriatingly old-fashioned (the only manager without a mobile phone?), lacking respect from his players (with, it seems, all bar one of his senior men 'retiring' during his regime) and in terms of competitive results, taking us backwards. In my entire lifetime,
I had some hope last Friday that new campaign and emerging youth would finally show some progress but, insteasd, it had all the hallmarks of Wales going absolutely nowhere.
Wales have never been successful and only shown rare glimpses but, even so, I have never known such apathy towards our national side. The pride and the passion doesn't show itself in the squad or with the manager (not doubting it must be there mind) but that has transferred itself to the public.
Thanks to Tosh for finally realising he will not be able to bring about improvement but if he is resigning, thewn let'sd put him out of his misery. I don't want him around for next month's games so we have more of the same. We must have a different mentality and approach and at least try and make a fist of this campaign. If Tosh stays on, there will be nothing for the new guy to work with and we're reduced to, effectively, another 2 years of friendlies.
The FAW need to pull out all the stops to get a replacement on board now. If Brian Flynn isn't a serious candidate and we can't get someone permanent in time, then I'd still be tempted to manage the next two games as he knows the players having brought them through.
Just no more Toshack please!
