Wales to turn to a rookie if Toshack walks?

In international football even more so than at club level, experience is considered a key requirement when appointing a manager, however if Wales are forced to replace the reportedly exit-bound John Toshack, they may have more trouble than most deciding whether to snub the younger candidates.

Neither of their last two "safe" appointments Bobby Gould and Toshack enjoyed any real success in their spells in charge whereas the gamble, bringing 35-year-old Mark Hughes in to replace Gould, proved inspired, with Wales coming just one game away from qualifying for Euro 2004.

The reward the FAW enjoyed for that risk may convince them to ponder making another brave call, which is why the current clamour to bring Ryan Giggs in as either head coach or an assistant may not go ignored.

John Hartson, who courageously fought cancer last year, has also confirmed his interest in taking the post with the brilliant pitch that "there's nobody that will be more committed and more Welsh than I am."

The lack of hugely experienced contenders could also count in the favour of the younger generation, with only Brian Flynn, the former Wrexham and Swansea boss who continues to work wonders with the Under-21s, an obvious frontrunner, and he may be hindered by receiving Gould's endorsement!

The interesting halfway house option is Chris Coleman, who is still young at 40 but has almost seven years of managerial experience behind him. Cookie was axed from his last job at Coventry though, which depending on which stance you choose to adopt either means he'll be hungry and have a point to prove, or is tainted by the stench of failure.

Who should they hire and will anybody be able to lead them to the top of Group G at [11.0]? Share your views below...

Published: 7 Sep 2010