Bryan Flynn named Wales caretaker boss
Today, Bryan Flynn was appointed as caretaker coach of the Wales national team for their UEFA 2012 European Football Championship qualifying matches next month.
The 54-year-old will take charge of the side against Bulgaria and Switzerland after John Toshack stepped down from the role in the wake of Wales’ opening defeat in the campaign against Montenegro.
Flynn, who will be joined by his youth team assistants Alan Curtis and David Williams as his back-room staff for the matches, spoke to reporters about his pride and being handed the responsibility of leading his country.
He told reporters that, "Naturally, as a very proud Welshman, this is a job that I have always wanted to do. 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. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with John Toshack in the Wales setup and feel that we have made great strides to establishing a side for the future. I would like to pay tribute to the work that John has done and the faith that he has shown in me and my judgement."
Flynn has impressed as youth team coach since taking over the role in 2004. He has been in charge of the Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 sides since then. In particular, he has turned round the fortunes of the oldest of those age groups — narrowly missing out on qualification for the 2009 and 2011 European Under-21 Championships.
He has also fostered players such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey through the youth ranks and into the full international set-up.
Flynn, who has been manager of Swansea and Wrexham, interviewed for the role for the third time in 2004, but Toshack was instead appointed before Flynn was brought in as a youth team coach.
If he can bring Wales’ qualification hopes back on track, he may have the chance to stake his claim for the job on a permanent basis.
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