Planet Swans ArchivesCommon sense prevails at the FAW. Not a statement that has been said too many times over the years but this time it rings true as they prepare to unveil former Swansea City manager John Toshack as successor to Mark Hughes who departed for Blackburn after 5 years in charge.
Toshack was the immediate choice of a large number of the supporters and despite interest from the likes of Rush, Houllier, Saunders and Troussier it is the name of John Toshack that will be revealed at Friday’s press conference.
JackArmy.net understands on the eve of the announcement that Toshack will sign a deal worth £240,000 per year to take charge of his country for the second time – the previous experience lasting just one game ten years ago.
On top of that the Welsh FA have dangled a £250,000 carrot in front of Toshack to take Wales to their first major finals since 1958 with all hopes pinned already on the European Championships of 2008 after Wales secured just 2 points from their opening four games of the current World Cup campaign. If he succeeds in taking Wales to Euro 2008, the bill to the Welsh FA will amount to the magical million mark before the tournament even starts.
Toshack has been very outspoken on the plight of the Welsh team in recent years and it was claimed that many of the senior players would retire from the international scene should he get the appointment that we all expected. However, in terms of credentials Toshack’s were always up there ahead of the rest and despite the interest from elsewhere the Welsh FA have plumped for the man that they believe will end 50 years of misses for major tournaments.
Toshack’s first game back in charge of his country will be the friendly against Hungary on February 9th next year with his first competitive game coming at the end of March when Austria visit the Millennium Stadium.
Toshack will also unveil his backroom staff within the Wales set up at the press conference – rumours that Robbie Savage will have a role within this are unconfirmed!!!!!!
Good luck Tosh – give the country what it wants!
