Speedy resolution as FAW look set to confirm new Wales manager
Published:After Ladbrokes closed the betting market on Friday following a flurry of bets for Gary Speed to become the new Wales manager, the Football Association of Wales looks set to confirm the appointment today.
Sheffield United have given permission to the FAW to talk to Speed over the vacant managers post which leaves punters with a chance of exploring the next Sheffield United manager betting.
Speed was backed into 2/1 from 25/1 on Friday alone and Sheffield United have been linked with a number of targets, including Chris Hughton and Gus Poyet, as a replacement for Speed.
But the appointment of Speed is a strange one considering the two months he has spent in management so far haven’t been all that convincing.
Sheffield United currently sit 20th in the Championship having taken just 22 points from a potential 60 this season and since Speed took charge on the 18th August, the Blades have managed just four wins from 14 games.
Speed beat off competition from Brian Flynn, Chris Coleman and Swede Jars Lagerback for the role and the FAW hope Speed will emulate another ex-player and former international team-mate of his, Mark Hughes.
Hughes has been the most successful Wales manager of recent times leading them into a qualification play-off for the 2004 European Championships, but Speed faces a tougher task transforming young talent into a established side.
With Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledley in the squad, Speed has plenty of young talent to transform into established international stars, but this qualification campaign has come too early with Wales now 2000/1 to win Euro 2012.
And at 1000/1 to top Group G of the Euro 2012 qualifying, the betting market suggests that Wales have no chance of even qualifying for the European Championships that will be staged in Poland and Ukraine.
A £10 stake on Wales somehow winning Euro 2012 would return £20,010. New customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
