Wales turn to Toshack

By Trevor Haylett

John Toshack has been appointed manager of Wales to succeed Mark Hughes who left the post last month.

'Unanimous' choice
The 55-year-old was unveiled at a Cardiff press conference as the "unanimous" choice of the Football Association of Wales. It is his second spell in charge of his country; his first, in 1994, ended after just 47 days when a defeat by Norway in his one and only game, and an adverse reaction from the home crowd, persuaded him to walk away from the then part-time role.

Sought-after position
Toshack, who won 40 caps for his country and has coached in his homeland, Spain, Turkey, Portugal, France and Italy with clubs including Real Madrid CF, emerged from a short list of three as the man Wales hope will guide them to a successful future. Frenchman Philippe Troussier, the former Japan coach, and Dean Saunders, currently assistant with Newcastle United FC, were also in the frame.

'Right time'
"It is the right time for me," said Toshack, whose most recent role was in charge of Real Murcia CF last season. "After 26 years in management which has taken me to six diferent countries with over 1,000 games in the dug-out, this is one of the few jobs that really motivates me and appeals to me. Hopefully, the Welsh FA, players and supporters will be able to benefit from my experience."

New objectives
Speaking about his previous abortive spell, Toshack joked: "I hope you don't think I'm going to do this every ten years. We haven't got a game for three months so we should get off to a better start than last time! Hopefully, through results and hard work we will be able to achieve our objectives."

Hughes departure
Toshack's first match back in charge of Wales will be a February friendly against Hungary before the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in March with home and away fixtures against Austria. After taking just two points from four Group 6 games under Hughes, who left to become Blackburn Rovers FC manager, Wales lie one place off the bottom.