Brian Flynn appointed caretaker manager for European qualifiers
Published:The Football Association of Wales have appointed Brian Flynn to take over the national side for October’s European Qualifying matches.
Following the depature of John Toshack after Wales’ loss to Montenegro, Flynn has the two games at home to Bulgaria and then away to Switzerland to prove his ability to lead the national side.
Flynn won 66 caps for Wales, scoring seven times and has been involved with the Under-21 side for the past six years, in which time he’s been commended for his work and narrowly missed out on guiding Wales to the 2011 European under-21 Championships this month.
After Toshack, Flynn becomes the 14th manager to hold the position and will hope to use the experience he has gained from working with the Under-21 side in achieving a level of success that the Welsh fans will appreciate.
Flynn has been cut into 6/4 to get the job on a permanent basis, he and Chris Coleman, 7/4, head the market with Terry Venables, 5/1, and Martin O’Neill, 6/1, their closest competitors.
“Naturally, as a very proud Welshman, this is a job that I have always wanted to do,” said Flynn.
“I realise that initially it is only for two games, but I shall give it my all to try and achieve results and stake a claim for the job on a permanent basis.”
Only ardent Welsh fans may harbour thoughts of qualification for the 2012 European Qualifications with England likely to top Group G after their impressive start, but Flynn will be hopeful of ushering Wales into a new era with the young quality he has at his disposal.
It’s a two horse race for the permanent managerial position. See the full next permanent Wales manager betting market here.
