Ryan Giggs in the running for Wales job

Tagged under: Euro 2012

Ryan Giggs’ ambition to become manager of his country could materialise should John Toshack announce plans for his resignation as Wales’ manager later this week. Bookmakers have already formed a betting market on next Wales’ permanent manager with Giggs high in the running to replace Toshack; Ladbrokes are offering odds of 12/1. The Welsh boss met with officials at the FA of Wales headquarters on Monday following the 1-0 defeat against Montenegro which sparked reports that he may resign from his second spell as manager. The defeat dented Euro 2012 qualification hopes fuelling speculation that Toshack’s future would depend on improved results in the next two games. Wales have games against Bulgaria and Switzerland next month before meeting England in March but it has been suggested the manager may resign before next month’s international break. A news conference is expected on Thursday when 61-year-old Toshack’s resignation is rumoured to be announced and it is understood he could stay on until a suitable replacement is found. Recently, Giggs spoke of his desire to manage Wales when he said: “If you go into management, the big job is to be in charge of your country. And I'm no different in terms of thinking like that." 36-year-old Giggs has already taken Uefa coaching badges and added: "At the moment it is difficult, because I still have commitments as a player. "But I always use the Sparky [Mark Hughes] situation. One minute he is playing for Wales and in the Premier League with Blackburn, then the next thing you know, he is managing his country. Sparky never really planned for that.” Although FA of Wales councillors see Giggs as a future manager of the national team, no approaches have been made to see if he is interested. Toshack could be asked to remain in charge until the end of this season if Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to free the way for Giggs once the season’s honours have been decided. Welsh U21 boss Brian Flynn has impressed his FA bosses and is an option as permanent or temporary replacement for Toshack. The bookies are divided between unemployed former Coventry manager Chris Coleman, available at 4/1 with Paddy Power, and Flynn, 4/1 with Ladbrokes, in their opinion of who is favourite to get the job. Former Wales striker John Hartson threw his hat into the ring last night, he told radio: “I'd love the job. I am a proud Welshman, I've worked with the best, I've done all my badges. "It's the job of a lifetime - you'd be a fool to turn the national manager's job down”, he added. "There may be one of two other candidates out there that come before me, I may have to wait my turn, maybe three or four years down the line I don't know but if you're asking me would I want the job absolutely.” The patriotic TV pundit is available at odds of 20/1 with Stan James to be John Toshack’s permanent replacement.

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