Speed shuns Wales link

Blades boss out of the running

Last updated: 10th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Speed shuns Wales link

Speed: Focused on Blades

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Gary Speed is the latest high-profile name to rule himself out of the running for the vacant Wales job.

Since John Toshack confirmed that he would be stepping down as national coach, a number of candidates have been offered as potential replacements.

However, a similar number have moved quickly to distance themselves from the role.

Ryan Giggs was installed as the early favourite, but he remains fully committed to his playing duties at Manchester United.

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett has also sought to play down speculation suggesting he could take the reins.

Former Wales international Speed is the latest to follow suit, having only taken charge at Sheffield United in August.

He is keen to remain focused on his efforts at Bramall Lane and has dashed any talk of possibly combining domestic and international commitments.

Timing

Speed said: "I'm the manager of Sheffield United and neither that nor Wales are part-time jobs. It would be impossible to do both.

"How would it look to United supporters if we were on a bad run here and then I was jetting off somewhere else? That wouldn't be right or fair.

"I don't think it would have been too soon but it is bad timing. To be honest, I've not even been thinking about it because I'm fully focused on things here.

"Mark Hughes, John's predecessor, had no experience when he took over and he told me after he left that it was the best first job he could have had because the games weren't coming thick and fast.

"He did exceptionally well."

Former Fulham and Coventry boss Chris Coleman is currently the favourite to land the job, with U21 coach Brian Flynn also believed to be in the running.

Ex-Celtic striker John Hartson has expressed an interest in the post, but he has no prior managerial experience.