Source: Daily_Mail
John Toshack resigns as Wales manager
Wales manager John Toshack has quit his post with immediate effect.[LNB]The 61-year-old's future had been unclear since Wales were beaten in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro last Friday. [LNB]Toshack held meetings with the Football Association of Wales this morning before announcing his decision to call time on his six years in charge.[LNB] Time to go: Toshack has decided to end his reign as the manager of Wales[LNB]Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs is one of the names mentioned as a possible successor.[LNB]Toshack said he hoped his decision to leave his post as early will help keep alive Wales' hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012.[LNB]'Wales are still very much in this group, and now the decision has been made hopefully they'll be able to get some positive results in the next two games,' Toshack said.[LNB]'If the results do go against us, I think I would have preferred that to happen with me still in charge.[LNB]Speculation: Wales legend Giggs (right)[LNB]I thought after three matches of this group we would review everything. Even after the disappointment of the game in Montenegro that was still the way I felt. But we have come to the agreement that this might be better for everyone concerned.'[LNB]Wales now start the search for a new boss with matches against Bulgaria and Switzerland scheduled for next month.[LNB] Former Wales internationals Giggs, Chris Coleman, Mark Bowen and John Hartson have all been linked with the position. [LNB]Some reports have suggested current Under 21 boss Brian Flynn, formerly manager of Wrexham and Swansea, could take over on a caretaker basis. [LNB]Flynn is also a potential contender for the job full-time after impressing in his role with the country's youngsters. [LNB]Wales Under 21s failed to qualify for the European Championship play-offs by the narrowest of margins this week having reached that stage two years ago. [LNB]Whoever emerges from the field would need to have enjoyed an extraordinary career to better the track record of Toshack. [LNB]Theformer Liverpool striker began his management career by leading Swanseato the top flight before going on to take charge of eight clubs on the continent. [LNB]That included two spells with Spanish giants Real Madrid and three with Real Sociedad. [LNB]Humbled: Wales' Craig Bellamy speaks to the ref as his side crash in Montenegro[LNB]He first took charge of Wales in 1994 but relinquished the post after just one game. He returned 10 years later and has since overseen huge changes in the national side. [LNB]Several promising youngsters have emerged while a number of senior players such as Giggs, Gary Speed, Robbie Savage, Jason Koumas and Simon Davies have retired. [LNB]Critics have claimed the manner in which this change has occurred - not least an unsavoury row with Savage - has left a lot to be desired. [LNB]There was, though, genuine optimism last week as a team including Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale - with Aaron Ramsey and Jack Collison waiting to return from injury - began the Euro qualifiers. [LNB]That changed in the space of 90 minutes as Wales lost 1-0 in Podgorica and Toshack has since come in for considerable criticism. [LNB]Toshack leaves with a record of 21 wins from 53 games in his second spell. [LNB]VIDEO: Toshack on his exit... Giggs warned: Take Wales job and your playing days at United are overStoke boss Pulis distances himself from the Wales job... for now Sign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsWales set to ask United star Giggs to join as a coach when Toshack quitsMontenegro 1 Wales 0: Toshack and Collins floored in Montenegro[LNB]
