Hard act to follow

Wednesday, 07/12/2011

As the world of football still comes to terms with the tragic news of Gary Speed’s death, it seems callous to think about who should succeed him as manager of the Welsh national team.

But considering what the 42-year-old has started it is imperative that future success for the current group of players becomes another lasting legacy of his glittering career.

Three wins out of their last four games, including impressive victories over Norway and Switzerland have lifted the hopes of a nation and boosted Wales into the top 50 of the FIFA World rankings.

Speed’s men also ran England close at Wembley in September, keeping the ball for large periods and showing glimpses of what could develop into a very good team.

It’s not just the results that had improved since Speed took charge of Wales, but also the performances and the style of football the team had produced.

Talented youngsters like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey flourished after being given the licence and confidence to express themselves and more established stars like Craig Bellamy came out of the cold and produced match-winning form.

Supporters have been crushed by Speed's death but they will remain hopeful that Welsh football continues to develop and maximise the revolutionary hard work that has been carried out by the boss and his coaching staff.

Whoever succeeds him will certainly have a hard act to follow but they will be inheriting an extremely talented, young squad that is packed with potential.

The appointment of experienced managers like John Toshack and Bobby Gould hasn't worked out for the Welsh in the past, whereas younger more contemporary coaches like Speed and Mark Hughes have made a big impact.

Hughes, currently out of work, would be an obvious candidate. He would command the players' respect and has already experienced the job, but club management would arguably be a more preferable next destination on his career journey.

Chris Coleman, a close friend of Speed, who is currently coaching Greek side Larissa, would be another Welshman under consideration or perhaps Hughes’ former assistant, Mark Bowen.

Less high-profile, but arguably just as suitable, is Millwall boss and former Wales international Kenny Jackett. He has quietly enjoyed an extremely successful coaching and managerial career over the years and may relish the chance to test himself at the highest level.

An inexperienced but passionate choice could be John Hartson, another man who was a close friend of Speed, and the former Celtic striker has been looking to get into management for some time.

If Ryan Giggs didn’t still have at least a season or two left in those 38-year-old legs, he might be in with a shout, but perhaps it’s a little too early for the Manchester United legend.

Maybe a dream combination of Mark Hughes as manager with Giggs coming in as assistant, to learn the ropes and perhaps take over after the next World Cup would be a good option.

For Hughes, taking Wales to a major championship would ensure that his managerial stock continued to rise and boost his chances of another top club job in the future.

Wales have been drawn in a strong but not impenetrable group for the 2014 World Cup and will line-up against Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland and Macedonia.

It will be a tight qualifying campaign, but it should represent the principality’s best chance of reaching a major tournament for decades.

The appointment of the next manager will be a crucial decision, not just for Welsh football but to ensure that Gary Speed’s footballing legacy is given another glorious chapter.

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