Republic of Ireland v Wales News 7th February 2011

No more withdrawals yet as far as I know but Gary Speed has announced his starting eleven.

Goalkeeper: Wayne Hennessey
Defenders: Neal Eardley, James Collins (captain), Danny Collins, Sam Ricketts
Defensive Midfield: Andrew Crofts, David Vaughan
Attacking Midfield: Andy King, Simon Church, Hal Robson-Kanu
Striker: Robert Earnshaw

Substitutes
Goalkeepers: Jason Brown, Lewis Price
Defenders: Darcy Blake, Chris Gunter, Lewin Nyatanga, Ashley Williams
Midfielders: Andy Dorman, Joe Ledley
Strikers: Jermaine Easter, Sam Vokes


The biggest surprise is that there’s no place in the starting line-up for Chris Gunter or Ashley Williams. Instead, Gary has chosen an all-Premier League back line.

The only Premier League players not to feature are Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Jason Brown (you can only fit one of them in the team and Jason hasn’t featured in any Blackburn squads this season) and Sam Vokes, a late call-up who has only recently returned from a hamstring injury. Scottish Premier League midfielder Joe Ledley is also on the bench.

The other Premier League players withdrew from the squad (Gary tactfully said that this made his job easier, which is a really nice way of looking at it) but it’s lovely to hear that Craig Bellamy has travelled with the squad despite not being in the squad and players including Gareth Bale have been to see his new manager. They can’t play but they’ve shown their commitment to Wales all the same.

Gary says he’s happy for David Vaughan to be his unsung hero (though he’s always very much sung around here).

Wales squad to face Republic of Ireland

Goalkeepers: Jason Brown (Blackburn), Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Lewis Price (Crystal Palace)
Defenders: Darcy Blake (Cardiff City), Danny Collins (Stoke), James Collins (Aston Villa), Neal Eardley (Blackpool), Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest), Lewin Nyatanga (Bristol City), Sam Ricketts (Bolton), Ashley Williams (Swansea)
Midfielders: Andrew Crofts (Norwich), Andy Dorman (Crystal Palace), Andy King (Leicester), Joe Ledley (Celtic), David Vaughan (Blackpool)
Forwards: Simon Church (Reading), Robert Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest), Jermaine Easter (Crystal Palace), Freddy Eastwood (Coventry), Hal Robson-Kanu (Reading), Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Withdrawals from original squad
Boaz Myhill (West Bromwich Albion), reason unknown
Danny Gabbidon (West Ham), hamstring
Craig Morgan (Preston North End), ankle
Dave Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), ankle
Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff City, on loan from Arsenal), slight knock
Steve Morison (Millwall), muscle injury
Ched Evans (Sheffield United), virus

Lewis Price, Darcy Blake, Lewin Nyatanga, Andy Dorman, Jermaine Easter and Sam Vokes have been called up as replacements.

Joe Allen was also called up from the under-21 squad but he injured his calf in Swansea City's brilliant defeat to Cardiff City.

Players unavailable due to injury
Gareth Bale (Tottenham), back
Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City), hamstring
Neil Taylor (Swansea), ankle
Jack Collison (West Ham), knee
Craig Bellamy (Cardiff), ongoing knee problems

Other omissions
While it’s certainly possible that not all of these players would have been selected by Gary Speed had they been fit/available, they have all featured in recent squads.
David Cotterill (Swansea), limited game time
Brian Stock (Doncaster), very recent comeback from leg and/or back problems


Wales squads are always exciting if you’re me as they’re always full of Wales players. But three names made me feel particularly happy. The first is, of course, Aaron Ramsey, who features in a Wales squad for the first time since breaking his leg almost a year ago. (I know he's withdrawn now but it was great to see him there at all.) As an Arsenal and Wales fan, I have been forced to wait for Aaron's comeback but I am thrilled he’s back with my Welsh team again, hopefully helping them to get promoted and finish ahead of Swansea.

The second exciting name is (or was, until his injury) Danny Gabbidon, who has come out of retirement in order to be selected for this match. Gary Speed says he didn’t take much persuading. As his reason for retirement was his injury problems, I hope his latest problems won’t put him off being in Wales squads in the future. (Sadly, Simon Davies opted not to return although he says he was tempted. Perhaps he’ll be more tempted when Wales play England.)

The second name that particularly excited me was Freddy Eastwood. He has been doing very well for Coventry (when fit) over the past couple of seasons yet hasn’t featured in a Wales squad for two and a half years.

An interview with new Wales manager Gary Speed

Gary Speed has named Raymond Verheijen as his assistant manager. Verheijen’s work has already benefitted Wales: he has helped Craig Bellamy to manage his long-term knee injury.

Ryan Giggs is interested in helping Wales but not in a full-time role. Playing against the Republic of Ireland sounds like a part-time role to me. Kind of. Maybe.

Gary has told the Welsh players to earn their places in the squad.

It’s not clear who will be Wales’ captain against the Republic of Ireland but James Collins, Danny Gabbidon, Ashley Williams and Craig Bellamy are contenders to wear the armband against England. Danny and Craig obviously won’t play against the Republic of Ireland but James and Ashley are presumably contenders to be captain for this match too.

Andrew Crofts is delighted to be in the Wales squad. I'm glad someone is. Sometimes I wonder.

Robert Earnshaw says the match against the Republic Ireland will be more than just a warm-up for the match against England.

Gary believes Wales can qualify for the 2014 World Cup. That makes at least two of us.

Wales are 116th in the world rankings. But they can and will get higher and they’ll always be 1st for me.

Wales National Team News 20th January 2011

Gary Speed will talk to Arsene Wenger this week concerning Aaron Ramsey’s availability for Wales’ match against the Republic of Ireland. But he won’t be giving us any hints of who might be in the squad. We’ll just have to wait and see… and have a good guess while we’re at it.

Gareth Bale will have the option of suing the Welsh FA if they won’t give him permission to play for the Great Britain team at the Olympics.

Craig Bellamy says there is a lot wrong with Welsh football – but at least he seems interested in putting it right.

The Welsh FA have launched a bid to host the UEFA 2013 Under-21s finals.

Wales News 13th January 2011

Gary Speed talks about managing Wales and flashing Bobby Robson.

Gary will announce the squad for Wales’ match against the Republic of Ireland on 31st January.

Former Welsh international Carl Robinson has been helping the Wales under-16 team and having a laugh with the senior team manager.


Ryan Giggs says he won’t play for Wales again but he is interested in a coaching role.

Welsh Player Transfer News and Rumours 13th January 2011

Blackpool would like to sign Aaron Ramsey on loan. And who can blame then for trying? They got into the Premier League, they did the double over Liverpool, they know all about making the impossible happen.

Manchester City would like to buy Gareth Bale in the summer, if Tottenham Hotspur are interested in selling him but I don’t think even Tottenham are that stupid.

Danny Gabbidon could be returning to Cardiff City after failing to agree a new contract with West Ham United.


Derby County manager Nigel Clough is hoping to sign Ben Davies from Notts County this month. He could replace Robbie Savage, who is interested in a move to Vancouver.

Joe Allen has been attracting interest from Premier League clubs but his agent says he will be staying at Swansea City and hopes to sign a new contract soon.


Jermaine Easter has left loan club Swansea City early after being recalled by parent club Milton Keynes Dons. Jermaine was interested in signing for Swansea permanently and Crystal Palace are also said to have shown an interest.


Rotherham United have said Mark Bradley can go out on loan after struggling to get into the matchday squad.


John Hartson could become the new manager of Newport County. Gary Speed thinks John would do a great job.

Wales News 12th january 2011

The Welsh FA still don’t want their players playing for Great Britain at the Olympics.

There’s been more speculation about the return of the Home International Championship. I think they should include the Republic of Ireland and then divide England into two teams, North England and South England, based on place of birth. That should even things up a bit.

Gary Speed likes the idea of reviving the Home International Championship but he says it couldn’t be a regular thing.

FA Wales have announced that Vauxhall will be their sponsors for the next three and a half years.

Tony Pulis would like to see Ryan Giggs playing for Wales again.

Gary Speed would like Danny Gabbidon and Simon Davies to come out of international retirement. He might even consider bringing Robbie Savage back. This is South Wales feels Wales should be grateful for what they can get.

Gary might also call up Wolverhampton Wanderers’ David Jones.

Ryan Shawcross is another possibility. The newspapers will have a field day if this happens… not that I’m hoping it won’t happen.

Wales Online suggest that Aaron Ramsey should be Wales’ new captain.

Neville Southall believes James Collins would be a better choice.

Andy King would like a bigger role with Wales.

Championship Results 11th December 2010 (Part 1)

Barnsley 1-0 Sheffield United
What turned out to be Gary Speed’s last match as manager of Sheffield United ended in defeat as Barnsley took all three points and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Ched Evans played the full match for Sheffield United.

Bristol City 2-0 Derby County
For the third consecutive match, Bristol City won. And for the third consecutive match, Brett Pitman scored. It was also the second successive match in which he’d scored a brace. Let’s hope Gary Speed knows about Brett’s eligibility. If he is eligible. No-one seemed very certain. That’s five goals in three matches for the (I hope) future Welsh international.
Brett feels Bristol City’s hard work is finally paying off. So is Brett’s hard work – his second goal was brilliant.
Christian Ribeiro started again for Bristol City. Lewin Nyatanga, whom Bristol City signed from Derby last season, was on the bench for his first match since returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United. Gavin Williams, back from his loan to Yeovil Town, didn’t make it into the squad.
As for Derby, it was all going so well but they’ve now lost four of their last five league games. Eight minutes before Brett’s opening goal, Gareth Roberts was forced off due to a calf injury and with Robbie Savage out with an ankle problem, Derby were in trouble.

Burnley 2-3 Leeds United
Burnley were 2-0 up when the whistle blew for half-time but Simon Grayson must have said something scary in the dressing room because Leeds fought back to claim all three points.
Sanchez Watt wasn’t in Leeds’ squad.

Gary Speed appointed Wales' new manager

To begin with, Gary Speed wasn't even interested. He'd only recently been appointed manager of Sheffield United although he'd been with the club for a number of years, first as a player and then as a coach.

But when Ryan Giggs yet again turned down the chance to become Wales' manager, the Welsh FA turned to an inexperienced manager whose club are near the bottom of the Championship.

A number of people are believed to have applied for the job. Brian Flynn, the caretaker-manager of Wales for their two most recent matches, was the choice of the players and was interested in remaining in the job. Chris Coleman and John Hartson were also thought to have been very keen. Chris was the most experienced Welsh candidate while John had none at all. Lars Lagerback was also interviewed for the position whilst other managers linked with the job included Martin O'Neill.

But it seemed FA Wales were looking for a star rather than an experienced manager and, after holding interviews, they made the decision to approach Gary Speed - and he accepted their offer to become manager of Wales.

It's true he's a Welsh legend and he could inspire the players, as no doubt Ryan Giggs would have done - and although his managerial track record is not particularly good, he does have experience as a coach. The younger Welsh internationals (which to be fair is most of them) will remember him as a star. He's just not that experienced or that successful as a manager and that could turn out to be a disadvantage.

I really hope it works out for Gary and he has my full support. I hope the unsuccessful candidates won't be too disappointed. Brian Flynn certainly has reason to be, although he clearly loves working with and developing young players and there will be more opportunities for him to do this at under-21 level and lower. Chris Coleman has also been offered another job but he'd decided not to accept it until he knew whether or not he's got the Welsh job. It looks like he'll be managing Greek side Larissa then.

As for Wales, we have a Welsh manager who loves his country. That's not something every country can claim.


Gary Speed's career in pictures.

Gary says he has taken a pay cut in order to manage Wales. It's always good finding people like that in the world of football.

Gary says one of his first jobs will be to try to coax Welsh players out of international retirement. That might actually be a harder job than beating England but some of those players could well be his friends so maybe he can do it.

Gary says Wales have nothing to lose. Well, we can lose the rest of the games which would also mean finishing bottom of the group but I do see what he means.

Former Wales manager Mark Hughes, who was linked with a return to the role, believes Gary will do a great job.

Championship Results 20th November 2010 (Part 3)

Sheffield United 3-2 Crystal Palace
In the 85th minute, Palace were 2-1 ahead and perhaps even feeling hopeful. But it was not to last, with Sheffield United scoring twice in three minutes to take the three points. Palace have lost seven of their nine away games this season.
Ched Evans played his part in two of the three goals, winning a penalty which led to Sheffield Utd’s first before scoring the (possibly offside) equaliser himself. Ched feels Sheffield United can challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season. Well. according to manager Gary Speed, they do have a Premier League quality striker in Ched.
Lewis Price was on the bench but Andy Dorman was out of the squad again.

Watford 1-1 Reading
Reading took the lead after 15 minutes but Watford’s equaliser just before time prevented them from moving into the top siz. Watford are now four points away from the play-off places.
Simon Church started for Reading. Hal Robson-Kanu was on the bench.

Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 3)

Norwich City v Leeds United
It must be nice being Norwich. They haven’t won for four matches and they’re still only outside the play-offs on goal difference. It can’t be that bad being Leeds either.
This was one of the matches in my Online Football Manager game last night. Leeds won about 6-2 (I’m managing Cardiff and I’ve just signed Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, I bet Dave Jones wishes he could do things like that) but somehow I don’t think either of these teams will score six.
Andrew Crofts will be in midfield for Norwich. They’re actually having a few problems in midfield which can only increase Josh Dawkin’s chances of being on the bench.
Jason Brown won’t be on Leeds’ bench because he’s gone back to Blackburn – and been loaned out almost immediately to Leyton Orient which must be a bit of a come-down. Sanchez Watt could be ready to return after playing in a reserve fixture.

Queen’s Park Rangers v Preston North End
One of these teams has not lost in the Championship this season. The other has only won one of their last eight matches. If Preston win, it will practically be a giant-killing. But it’s also likely you’re asleep and you dreamed the whole thing.
Craig Morgan and Paul Parry will both hope to stay in Preston’s starting line-up.

Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Gary Speed hopes Sheffield United can push up the table and end the season in a play-off place.
Sheffield United did quite well the last time they beat a London side. They beat Millwall – and theoretically, Palace should be easier to beat. They’ve only won one away game this season.
Ched Evans started for Sheffield United last week but couldn’t find the net.
Andy Dorman could be out of the squad again as manager George Burley reveals he is struggling to adapt to life in the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench.

Watford v Reading
Everyone goes on about Watford’s away form, including me but it probably isn’t that good at the moment. They only have four points from the last six matches and even if they are all away points that probably doesn’t quite count as good away form although it’s not bad.
Simon Church says playing on the wing for Reading wasn't as bad as he expected – and he might do just that against Watford. Hal Robson-Kanu will also hope for a start.
Jake Taylor is still out following a knee operation.

Welsh Player News 29th October (Championship, Part 2)

Middlesbrough’s Danny Coyne and Stephen McManus visited Teeside Hospice to help with the refurbishment and meet the guests and staff. There will be collection buckets for the hospice at Middlesbrough’s match against Bristol City tomorrow.

Kenny Jackett says Steve Morison can’t get Millwall promoted on his own – the other strikers have got to help.
Blackburn Rovers say they have not made an approach for Steve. Blackburn must be mad then but I think they’re quite right to leave him where he is.

Paul Parry says Preston North End will continue to climb the Championship table. And they probably will if Paul’s tendonitis allows him to get a good run in the team. He scored twice for Preston’s reserves in a 3-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers

Simon Church says his winning goal for Reading against Burnley wasn’t a fluke – he meant it!

Hal Robson-Kanu says the Reading players never doubted that they could beat Burnley. How right they were. Hal hopes he will continue to make an impact for Reading.

Reading striker Jake Taylor has had knee surgery and will be out for a few weeks.

Gary Speed says Sheffield United never get penalties. Except against West Bromwich Albion which is great when they’re in the same division as you but not so good when they’re up competing for a Champions’ League place. Sheffield Utd’s last penalty at home was so long ago, David Cotterill was there to score it.

Ashley Williams will equal a club record if he starts tomorrow. He will make his 106th start for the club, thus equalling the record currently held by Andy Legg and Gilbert Beech (who might also be Welsh, Google isn’t being helpful and I’m in a hurry) for biggest number of successive starts by an outfield player. The overall record is held by goalkeeper Roger Freestone. Let’s hope Ashley doesn’t get concussion again. He can’t remember last week’s match against Leicester City at all. This is South Wales suggests Ashley’s next target is to equal Freestone’s record – but I’d have thought his next aim should be making sure he breaks the outfield record in the match after this one.

Joe Allen says the derby against Cardiff City is a big match but for now the players are focused on Crystal Palace.

Championship Fixtures 30th October 2010 (Part 4)

Reading v Doncaster Rovers
Both teams are tied (with a number of other teams) on 19 points. A win could put them into the play-off places. Reading’s Welsh strikers won’t remember the last time Doncaster beat Reading – it was quite a few years before they were born.
Simon Church came off the bench to score Reading’s winning goal in a 4-0 victory over Burnley and he might have won himself a place in the starting line-up. Hopefully it won’t be at the expense of Hal Robson-Kanu.
John Oster (who faces one of his former sides) and Brian Stock will both hope to keep their places in Doncaster’s starting line-up.

Scunthorpe United v Leeds United
Leeds are only four points from the play-offs. Not a disaster. A few good wins and they’ll be right back up there again. As far as the good wins are concerned, Scunthorpe might be a good place to start. They’ve only won once at home. And Scunthorpe haven’t beaten Leeds for 48 years.
Sanchez Watt is expected to miss out again for Leeds due to his knee injury. The Yorkshire Post seems to think Jason Brown will start. I’d love it if they were right but he didn’t play in the last match.

Sheffield United v Coventry City
Coventry are in the top six but they haven’t won back-to-back games this season. As they won their last game, maybe Sheffield United will get the three points Gary Speed really needs.
Sheffield United’s Ched Evans could return from his recurring groin injury
Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood is back in training but he won’t be able to play.

Championship Results 16th October 2010 (Part 3)

Reading 0-1 Swansea City
Swansea are up to fourth in the Championship after winning their second consecutive away match. It took them a while to find their first away win but now they can’t stop – although hopefully they will stop before they play Cardiff away.
Hal Robson-Kanu was able to start for Reading despite the hamstring injury that kept him out of Wales’ match against Switzerland. Simon Church came off the bench ten minutes after Hal was replaced.
David Cotterill started the match on the bench for Swansea but an injury led to his introduction after 20 minutes. Fifteen minutes later, the ball was in the back of the Reading net and a great pass from David reached Scott Sinclair, who scored his ninth goal in ten games. Any chance Sinclair could be suspended when Swansea play Cardiff away?
Ashley Williams was the only other Welshman to feature but Neil Taylor was on the bench.

Scunthorpe United 1-3 Doncaster Rovers
Scunthorpe were unable to add to their one home win this season but Doncaster had few problems in doubling their tally of away victories.
John Oster got the assist for Doncaster’s first goal with a great pass. When John left the field, Brian Stock was the player who replaced him.

Sheffield United 3-3 Burnley
Burnley probably thought they’d finally got their first away win of the season when Jay Rodriguez put them 4-3 up in the 90th minute. But Gary Speed’s Sheffield United equalised four minutes later to share the points.
Ched Evans came off the Sheffield United bench after 69 minutes. I’m not sure the bench is really the place for your joint top scorer but he has had a groin injury.

Welsh Player News 15th October 2010 (Championship Part 2)

Jason Brown says he is resigned to leaving Blackburn Rovers when his contract expires this summer. He has enjoyed being at Blackburn but he wants first-team football. He is interested in making his loan move to Leeds United permanent.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/blackburn-rovers/8047815/Brown-keen-on-Leeds-stay.html

Is Andy King Wales’ answer to Steven Gerrard?

Rhys Williams is determined to bounce back from the heartache of not playing for Australia in the World Cup.

Nottingham Forest are hoping they’ll soon solve the mystery of why Robert Earnshaw has gone all injury-prone. For now, he’s in extra training sessions.

Sheffield United manager Gary Speed is hoping to give some more of Sheffield United’s younger players a chance.

Welsh Player News 27th September 2010 (Championship) Part 2

John Oster has done well since returning from a knee injury. Doncaster haven’t lost a single match this season when John’s been playing.
John thinks Queen’s Park Rangers will be promoted this season. Somehow I don’t think he’s alone in that.

Formwe Wales under-21 international Rhys Williams will return to Middlesbrough in the next fortnight as he continues to recover from a pelvic injury. He has spent the first part of his rehabilitation in his home country Australia.

Simon Church hopes his goal for the reserves will remind manager Brian McDermott of his existence. Hal Robson-Kanu also scored.

Simon hopes to be a big part of the Reading and Wales teams this season.

The Daily Mail interviews new Sheffield United boss Gary Speed.

Gary wants to bolster his squad and what better way than to raid Manchester United? Gary doesn’t blame the Sheffield United strikers for their lack of goals but if some of the players could share the goalscoring burden with Ched Evans, that would be great.

Ched is very happy with the appointment of Gary as manager of Sheffield United. He believes the club could finish in the top six.

Championship Results 19th September 2010 Part 3

Preston North End 0-1 Norwich City
Probably not many people expected Preston to beat Norwich. They have won only one match this season and not drawn any at all. Norwich, now fourth in the table, have a much healthier record. Losing 1-0 to Norwich isn’t a bad result but that won’t comfort Preston.
Paul Parry started his second consecutive match for Preston and he nearly scored. Craig Morgan was dropped to the bench.
Andrew Crofts nearly scored a great headed goal for Norwich but it was blocked on the line.

Sheffield United 1-0 Portsmouth
Portsmouth could have won this, with both goalkeepers making good saves.
But the points went to Gary Speed’s side after Ched Evans’ free kick ended up in the back of the net in the 77th minute. Just when I start to worry he’s not scoring enough, Ched pops up with a goal. But I don’t mind.

Swansea City 2-0 Scunthorpe United
Swansea kept their 100% home record intact with victory over Scunthorpe and probably should have scored more than one goal.
Joe Allen was elbowed by a Scunthorpe player but unfortunately while the referee missed this, he did see Joe’s retaliation, which earned him a yellow card. David Cotterill came off the bench, replacing Joe, and provided a great cross from which Swansea scored their first goal.
Defenders Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor played the full match for Swansea. David Cornell and Jazz Richards were on the bench.

Welsh Player News 17th September 2010 (Championship, Part 1)

Bristol City defender James Wilson will be out for the season after undergoing knee surgery.

His team-mate Christian Ribeiro feels he’s proved he can play in the Championship.

Bristol City manager Keith Millen wants a team of internationals Signing Sam Vokes on loan and possible future Welsh international Brett Pitman can only be a good move.

Christian Ribeiro says he spent the summer in bed, his back problems were so severe but he’s much better now.

Sam Vokes is on his way back from a hamstring injury and hopes to be playing again soon. He is expected to return to Bristol City to see out the remainder of his loan spell, which ends in January.

Craig Bellamy’s transfer is hot news on Mount Killmanjaro.

Cardiff City’s new signing Nick Keogh wants to learn from Craig. I'm sure he could learn a lot about football but maybe he shouldn't ask Craig to help with his golf swing.

The case against the fan who threw a coin at Craig has been dismissed.

Jason Koumas believes Cardiff City will get promoted this season and I so hope he’s right. When you look at how well they’re doing and consider that Craig is injured and Jason is not yet fully match-fit, they definitely have a chance.

Andy Dorman earns the same amount in a season at Crystal Palace as he would have done in seven seasons with former club New England Revolution.

Gareth Roberts feels Derby’s performances have been encouraging and there’s more to come from them.

Robbie Savage won’t endear himself to the Liverpool fans for describing their team as ordinary but the rest of the football world might well love him for it. He’s not very impressed with some of the Champions’ League teams either. Or Stuart Attwell. Robbie thinks Stuart’s balls aren’t big enough. I’ve never seen Attwell’s balls so I couldn’t possibly comment.

Robbie and Rio Ferdinand aren’t getting on terribly well at the moment.

Gary Speed thinks Robbie Savage is nice. But he’s not so keen on controversial referees.

Kenny Jackett was disappointed not to beat Reading midweek but he’s happy with the players Millwall have. And why not? They’re fourth in the Championship.

Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts doesn’t mind scoring goals but the most important thing is that his team get points.

Championship Fixtures 18th September 2010 Part 3

Millwall v Watford
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett is up against the only club he played for in his career. He only played for ten years but even so, it’s nice to see a bit of loyalty. Kenny has also coached and managed Watford. Watford go into this match with an unbeaten away record.
Steve Morison is likely to start for Millwall.

Preston North End v Norwich City
Preston have only beaten Norwich twice at home in the last 39 years and wins of any kind are thin on the ground for Preston at the moment. Norwich lost their last game but they’re still only out of the play-off places on goal difference.
Paul Parry made his second comeback from a knee operation early last Saturday and went on to play the complete game against Burnley midweek. He’s said he’s likely to continue to have problems with his knee for the rest of his career so it’s not impossible he’ll be rested for this match. Craig Morgan, however, should play for Preston.
Andrew Crofts should be in Norwich’s starting line-up.

Sheffield United v Portsmouth
Sheffield United will be wanting to bounce back from a surprise 4-0 defeat to Scunthorpe United. Portsmouth also conceded four goals last week although they did manage to score one.
Ched Evans hasn’t scored since the first day of the season and if Sheffield Utd manager Gary Speed decides to make changes, that could include changes up front.

Swansea City v Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe were predicted to struggle but they’re up in the top half of the table – three places ahead of Swansea but only on goal difference. The bad news for Scunthorpe is that Swansea have a 100% home record this season and have only conceded one goal.
Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor are likely to start for Swansea. Joe Allen did well in midweek when he started – David Cotterill was the player who dropped to the bench to replace him. David Cornell and Casey Thomas could both be on the bench although both are candidates to go out on loan.

Championship Fixtures 11th September 2010 Part 1

Burnley v Preston North End
Preston’s only win so far came against one of the teams relegated from the Premier League but they need another win to make sure they don’t fall back into the relegation zone. But local rivals Burnley have only lost once this season – and that wasn’t at home.
Preston’s Craig Morgan has recovered from the toe problem which made him a doubt for Wales last week. Paul Parry is in contention to return to the first team after building up his fitness..

Cardiff City v Hull City
Last season was disappointing for both teams, with Hull getting relegated and Cardiff losing in the play-offs. Financial worries for both teams didn’t help matters. Cardiff have bounced back and are second in the table without a league defeat but since Hull’s opening-day win, they have managed just one point and they haven’t won away from home since March – which sounds bad enough but their last away win was actually in March 2009.
Cardiff’s star signing Craig Bellamy is one of four Cardiff players who need a late fitness test. It’s his knee again. Cardiff’s other Welsh Premier League loan signing, Jason Koumas, is still building up match fitness but he is likely to start if the fitness tests are failed. It’s not clear whether Darcy Blake is ready to return from an ankle injury. Adam Matthews, who replaced him in the team, has done well but he too has a fitness test. Aaron Wildig could also be in the squad.

Coventry City v Leicester City
Leicester are still without a win this season and playing away to a team with a 100% home record might not be the best place to get one. But who knows, anyone can beat anyone in this league.
Coventry striker Freddy Eastwood has a knee injury and will need a fitness test.
Leicester have been keeping Andy King on the bench recently but as his introduction from the bench usually makes Leicester play better, perhaps they’ve seen the error of their ways by now.

Derby County v Sheffield United
Gary Speed hopes to see Sheffield United win for the second time since he became manager. They travel to Derby, who haven’t won at home in the league this season.
Gareth Roberts and Robbie Savage should both start for Derby.
Ched Evans could keep his place in Sheffield Utd’s starting line-up but he hasn’t scored in the league since the first day of the season and that never goes down too well with managers.

John Toshack resigns by mutual consent... who will replace him?

As expected, John Toshack has resigned. What was a slight surprise was that he didn't want to leave straight away, that he would have been happy to stay with Wales until after the next two qualifiers have been played. FA Wales, however, had other ideas. The FA are now looking for a replacement... but he won't necessarily be Welsh.

Neville Southall says just one new manager might not be enough but if there is just one, it should be Brian Flynn.

Many of those linked with the post have ruled themselves out.

Kenny Jackett says he is flattered to be linked with such a big job but at the moment he's committed to keeping Millwall in the Championship. At the moment, that job doesn't look particularly difficult but it's a long season. It's disappointing but it's a positive sign that Kenny is prepared to honour his commitments to Millwall - and presumably he would do the same for Wales if he is the manager some time in the future.

Gary Speed says he can't take the job as the timing is all wrong. He has only recently become manager of Sheffield United - his first managerial position, although he says this won't necessary put him at a disadvantage - and he's completely focused on that job and it wouldn't feel right to leave them in the lurch now.

Tony Pulis says he would like to manage Wales one day but he thinks it's too early in his career for him to take the job now.

However, there is one manager who has openly expressed interest in managing Wales. John Hartson has no experience but he has done his coaching badges and, as Gary Speed pointed out, having no experience didn't do Mark Hughes any harm. John Hartson would be the romantic choice. Just imagine it, John Hartson, cancer survivor, leading Wales into Euro 2012. It would be amazing and moving but perhaps not very realistic. Mark Hughes managed without experience but that doesn't mean anyone could. I am not a realist though and I would love to see John managing Wales.

Another reason to appoint John is that he's willing to ask Ryan Giggs, Simon Davies and Robbie Savage to come out of retirement. I'm not sure he'd be successful - Ryan and Robbie are both coming to the end of their careers, and Robbie is also working in the media. Simon retired due to a persistent foot injury. All three might well need their international breaks but it would be great to have a manager who is prepared to look at all the options.

Robbie Savage has however said he might be interested in playing for Wales again now John Toshack has gone (he also doesn't rule out driving the team bus). It would be great if he meant it but his claim that he wasn't going to bitch about Tosh was maybe not completely true... Robbie has also been mentioned in connection with the manager's job.

Ryan Giggs said he'd love to manage Wales one day. But not right now. Even if he was interested in taking the job on now, Sir Alex Ferguson probably wouldn't let him. In some ways I kind of feel Ryan is old enough to make up his own mind but at the same time, he already has one full-time job. To take on another job, one of which he has no experience, particularly when he's already working past the average retirement age, could well be too much for him and Ferguson is naturally eager for Ryan to continue to work to a very high standsrd with Manchester United. John Toshack feels Ryan isn't the best person as Wales need someone with managerial experience.

Brian Flynn is many people's first-choice to take on the role and he's my first-choice too. He knows a lot of the senior squad already from working with them in the under-21s. Some might point out that the under-12s failed to progress to the Uefa Under-21 Championship play-offs but they came very close and if the goal diffrence rule had applied, they would have got through - ahead of Italy. Brian has done well with the under-21s, they are currently between competitions so it seems a good time for him to move to the senior squad if he wishes to.

Chris Coleman has also been linked with the job. He's currently out of work - and he's yet to rule himself out.

Sky Sports looks at the playing and managerial career of John Toshack.

I'm sad to see Tosh go. He did do really well at times and has a higher precentage of wins than any other Wales manager. I hope he finds another job soon. But most of all, I hope Wales find a new manager.