Toshack rumours surface after loss (From Crewe Guardian)

Toshack rumours surface after loss

7:52am Monday 6th September 2010 in

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John Toshack's future as Wales manager is uncertain after unconfirmed reports began to circulate claiming he was willing to quit.

There was no official word from the Football Association of Wales to validate the rumours, but the 61-year-old's position has been under increased scrutiny since Friday's Euro 2012 qualifying loss in Montenegro.

That result, even just one game into the qualifying campaign, has placed huge emphasis on next month's home clash with Bulgaria.

Toshack even admitted his side might not "have too much chance" of qualifying for the tournament if they do not beat a side thrashed 4-0 by England.

Those comments contrasted with Toshack's prior to the game, in which he spoke glowingly of his maturing group of young players.

Toshack has overseen a huge transition in almost six years at the Welsh helm, with a number of senior players being replaced by promising youngsters.

There was a feeling his youthful team was ready to come of age but Friday's loss in Podgorica has turned up the heat on the former Real Madrid boss.

His most notorious critic, Robbie Savage, was one of the first to demand a change at the helm. Savage infamously quit international football after a row with Toshack five years ago, and there is no love lost between the pair, but his comments nevertheless fuelled debate.

The Derby midfielder said on BBC Radio Five Live: "It is time John Toshack left Wales. I think we need a fresh start, fresh impetus. We need to get the crowds back and I think Toshack has to go.

"He has made enough excuses, he has been in the job six years. Judge him on his qualifying campaigns - they haven't qualified yet and they have got off to a terrible start again."