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Ferguson blocks Giggs from Wales manager post

Comment: 0 January 10th, 2012 by: admin

Sir Alex Ferguson recently rejected a proposal from Welsh FA bosses to make Ryan Giggs the next Wales manager, succeeding the late Gary Speed.

The Manchester United veteran has been for a while considered as the number one option for Speed’s successor.  Rumours circulating late last month revealed that at that time the FA has already pegged Giggs as the ideal man to lead the Welsh team.

According to reports, however, Ferguson refused to hear about it, insisting that the 38-year old veteran needs to focus on his playing career.

This placed a damper on whatever plans the FAW had for the current midfielder, whom they saw as the ‘natural’ option to take up the reins.

‘Ryan has never managed but he’s seen as a natural successor to Gary,’ a Welsh insider told reporters.  ‘At 38, he’s the right age to be on the same wavelength as our young team.

‘We’ve had success with people in the same position.  Wales was Mark Hughes’ first job as a manager but he was a success.

‘Gary had very limited experience as a manger but he did a great job,’ the source continued.  ‘Our players still haven’t got over his death.’

The FA decided to make their move on Giggs only after the New Year – a decision reportedly made out of respect for Speed’s family.

Should the plan push through, Giggs would only be offered the job part-time, to allow him to still address his playing responsibilities with United.

This was however ground to a halt after Ferguson also announced that he planned to offer Giggs a one-year extension on his contract after the current season.  This would see the midfielder take on the field as a player despite his age.

‘There’s absolutely no evidence at all at this moment in time that Ryan’s energy, stamina or speed are decreasing,’ said Ferguson.  ‘In fact, it’s exactly the same as it was the last two or three years.  It’s amazing.

‘I know it’s mid-season now and it all depends on what Ryan thinks about his future too,’ he continued.  ‘He knows he can’t go on forever, and we know he can’t go on forever, but on the evidence of what we’re seeing at the moment I think he can play for another year.’

Reports state that the FA bosses hope to install a new manager for the national team in time for the upcoming friendly against Costa Rica on February 29.  The match is meant to be a memorial game in honour of Speed’s memory.

Other options for the position include Chris Coleman, who is expected to resign from Greek team Larissa soon.  Other names include John Hartson, Bryan Flynn, and Raymond Verheijen and Osian Roberts, Speed’s assistants.

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