Worried about Wales

Its hard to be anything but disappointed and worried about Wales languising in last place in their qualification group, and as much as I like Chris Coleman (and I do) I’m concerned as to whether he is the right man to lead us in the next qualification campaign.

As an ex-Swan I was always going to like Chris Coleman. His rampaging runs down the left flank, alongside the legend that is Tommy Hutchison, we’re one of the highlights of the 90’s for us. Then in his first managerial role he seemingly did an excellent job keeping Fulham in the Premiership. Indeed, it came as a shock to many/most that Fulham sacked him. Two concerns spring to minds here: (a) why did they sack him? (b) did his results at Fulham really just reflect the excellent work Jean Tigana had done setting up the team for him.

Then he went on to various roles in Europe – which I commend him for, as its great to gain European/worldwide experience – but another couple of concerns arose from these trips. Firstly the resilts weren’t great, and secondly stories of missing commitments and flase excuses suggest minor personality issues.

Then he returned to the UK and largely failed at Coventry – althought to be fair to him here who hasn’t.

So I like Chris Coleman – he’sa Jack and he always comes across well on the media, plus his no-nonsense style gives his voice some credibility, but the concerns are not insignificant, and most importantly the results have been poor.

Maybe the Welsh FA should reconsider their contract offer? A multitude of talented managerial options are available at the moment, i.e. out of work – so would come relatively cheaply, which is a must for Wales. Unfortunately I think the manager of Wales has to be Welsh, sorry but its international football this in my opinion is just how it has to be.

I know he doesn’t play Swansea-style football but for me it has to be Tony Pulis. Before we can get anywhere we need to become hard to beat, and Tony Pulis’s Stoke were certainly that, plus he’d have the inside track on attracking a few players who could opt for Wales, such as Ryan Shawcross.