Toshack on brink of Wales resignation

06 September 2010 11:30

It is understood John Toshack will tender his resignation as Wales manager.

The 61-year-old's position has come into question following Wales' 1-0 defeat by Montenegro on Friday in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier and Press Association Sport understands he will resign.

Toshack has overseen a huge change in personnel following his appointment in November 2004, repeatedly emphasising his desire to bring through younger players.

This approach has partly been forced on him by the international retirement of players including Robbie Savage, Gary Speed, Ryan Giggs, Jason Koumas and most recently Simon Davies.

Savage, who has been one of Toshack's biggest critics since a row with the manager five years ago led to him ending his Wales career, called for the former Real Madrid boss to go over the weekend.

Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, the Derby midfielder said: "It is time John Toshack left Wales. I think we need a fresh start, fresh impetus. We need to get the crowds back and I think Toshack has to go.

"He has made enough excuses, he has been in the job six years. Judge him on his qualifying campaigns - they haven't qualified yet and they have got off to a terrible start again."

And it seems Savage will get his wish, with the only question seemingly whether Toshack will leave the post before or after Wales' qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland next month. There had been optimism this could be the campaign in which the Wales squad came of age but Friday's loss was a hugely disappointing start.

With England hot favourites to win the group, an unusually downbeat Toshack admitted another defeat by Bulgaria would leave Wales without "too much chance" of making it to Poland and Ukraine in 2012.

Reports have suggested Manchester United midfielder Giggs could be approached to succeed Toshack and a statement from the Football Association of Wales is expected on Monday.

Source: PA