Wales manager decision not imminent

12 December 2011 15:47

The Football Association of Wales have denied reports that a decision on who will be the next Wales manager will be taken on Monday.

Assistant manager Raymond Verheijen posted on Twitter on Sunday that a board meeting of the FAW would discuss how Wales move forward following the death of manager Gary Speed 15 days ago, with the Dutchman appearing to suggest that he and fellow assistant Osian Roberts lead the team during their World Cup qualifying campaign.

But the FAW have clarified the situation, saying in a statement: "In view of recent press and media reports the FAW would like to point out that a scheduled International Committee meeting is taking place [on Monday]. But the position of national team manager is not on the agenda."

The statement continued: "No decision or announcement will be made following [Monday's] meeting."

Verheijen, whose contract runs out at the end of this month, had posted on the social networking site: "Tomorrow [Monday] FAW meet about future of Wales. Hopefully the board will respect Gary's wish so Osian Roberts and myself can lead the team to Brazil.

"[There is] no need for new manager with new ideas. Our success was based on Gary's clear structure. Everybody knows what to do for mission Brazil 2014.'"

The 40-year-old, who has helped coach Holland, Russia and South Korea, was brought into the Wales set-up shortly after Speed's appointment in December 2010 and had helped oversee a recent run of four wins in their last five internationals.

Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts, who played alongside Speed for the national team, has furiously criticised Verheijen's comments, telling: BBC Wales: "What he put on there really left a bad taste in my mouth. Some of the things he's posted on Twitter have absolutely shocked me. [It's] very, very selfish.

"It's just over two weeks since we lost Gary and just over 48 hours since Gary was finally put to rest. The timing's shocking and I don't think he should be putting his CV if you like on Twitter. He's touting himself for the Welsh job. He's put it out there in the public for everyone to see.

"That's the thing that sits really awkward and uncomfortable with me. He's upset and angered me in the past with some of the things he's posted but nothing [compares with this]. Gary's wish? I find that quite astonishing when Gary's family are still grieving."

Source: PA