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November 21, 2007

Life at the Death - Wales draw in Germany

Well, talk about saving your best for last.
While most eyes might have been on Wembley and England's self-destruction, Wales chose their moment to show that they're not the laughing stock of British football after all.
With the guts, grit, determination - and no little skill - a makeshift side showed progress is being made under Toshack.
It had been predicted to be a walloping in Walstadion.
Even Tosh had got in on the act, doing his best to talk up a thumping so anything less would seem like an achievement.
But from the off you sensed Wales weren't overawed by the occasion, weren't fearing their opponents and instead were ready for a fight.
Germany didn't offer much of one; a bit sloppy, a bit lazy but still a darn bit better than the rest of the teams in Wales' group.
And Tosh's team matched them.
The centre backs raised their games to the levels we expect of them. The full-backs drove forward in support to implement the game plan demanded of them. The midfield held their own and created that spark so important of them.
And, most importantly, the kids stepped up to the mark to fill in where the experienced injured, suspended and retired had once been.
A relative high point to finish on then, after a campaign that brought it's fair share of lows. But my particular highlight of the match - Welsh fans enjoying themselves at last. Especially as they sang "England's staying home" as their final say on the Euro 2008 qualifiers.
Talk about saving your best for last. . .


 

November 3, 2007

Ridsdale, Refs and Ringside - The Week That's WoS

What a week it's been - and still could be - in Welsh sport.

Apologies for those who've logged on and not seen much updating recently - this blog's author has been on a Halloween holiday.

But with Guy Fawke's Night almost upon us, the fireworks are all set to go off tonight at the Millennium Stadium as Joe Calzaghe takes on Mikkel Kessler in a super-middleweight slug-out.

If you stay online (and awake), this blog will take a veer away from football for a few hours to give you live updates.

Then you can read the very first detailed reports from Wales on Sunday's top boxing writer Pete Shuttleworth on www.icwales.co.uk, or in later editions of tomorrow's paper.

Still, it's not all about boxing and Welsh football held its own in terms of an explosive week.

First we had Peter Ridsdale's launch of his new book United We Fall, a great insight to the life at the top of a Premier League football club and his early days at Cardiff.

Wales on Sunday has spoken to the City chairman, who admits there could be a few more chapters to add yet, plus exclusive extracts from the book.

It comes on the back of Cardiff's trip to Anfield and the official start of work on the club's new stadium - but results around the Championship today mean eyes will very much be on Tuesday night's game against Palace to lift them away from the bottom places.

In League One, Swansea dropped points at home to Gillingham last night but could still hold their heads up high after a superb performance against the odds.

Referee Stuart Atwell - 25, in his first year as a ref and in his first ever League One game - gave one of the most woeful performances from a man in black I have ever seen. Ever.

But the ten men Swans still really should have won the game - even before Andy Robinson's last gasp penalty miss.

There's the fall-out from that game in tomorrow's paper - plus a look ahead to next week's FA Cup game.

We look forward to Wrexham's big cup clash with Peterborough and a certain reunion with Darren Ferguson, plus the big derby clash with the Shrews tomorrow.

See, told you it was a hell of a week.

Now, C'mon Joe - make it even better.


 

October 15, 2007

Pride before a fall for Toshack?

Well, two days have passed since Wales' embarrassing Euro 2008 qualifying defeat to Cyprus.

And to be honest, I'm still struggling to get my head around it.

At one point, although hardly inspiring in the way they went about it, it looked as if Wales were about to hang on for another backs-to-the-wall win on the road.

But then it fell to pieces - and the media were left trying to pick them up and make sense of the whole debacle following Toshack's press conference.

Tosh refused to take any questions, simply stating he had a few points of his own, including the phrase: "I have to take a long, hard look at what I'm doing here."

Now it has been quickly pointed out that that resigning and walking away wasn't what the Wales boss meant and he is staying with the Wales challenge.

I don't think there was any doubt of that, something Wales on Sunday pointed out in our report and confirmed by FAW sources to me.

But when you can't ask questions to clarify the point, it was Tosh himself who had thrown this issue into the air.

And he knew exactly what he was doing after it emerged he made similar comments in his interview to broadcasters S4C prior to the press-conference.

The school of thought was that he couldn't blame his players - who should have taken their fair share of blame - or risk alienating himself inside the dressing room.

But with some observers in Nicosia claiming they were ignoring and then debating Tosh's touchline instructions, perhaps it's already too late.

Tosh is a proud man and this game - the worst display of his tenure - would have hurt him big time.

Does he need it? Is the challenge too much? Did he fall for getting into a tete-a-tete with Sparky and Savage before the game, a tactic that now looks rather foolish?

Craig Bellamy refused to comment on whether Tosh is taking this team in the right direction, although in fairness he had answered similarly before the game when the feel-good factor was still alive and well.

But I think he is as blooding these youngsters is the only way and as Neville Southall has previously stated, you will get games like these with kids until they find consistency comes with age. Tosh needs to do more, though, with our hopes of making it into pot three for the next qualifying campaign now over.

His honeymoon period with his employers has lasted three years now, and although they still remain confident of his methods, excuses must make way for expectation very soon indeed.


 

October 10, 2007

Wales' Teenage Wonder Goal

It's just like watching Brazil - even if it's actually Wales Under 16 side in the Victory Shield last week.

Check out this howitzer of a free-kick that won the game for Wales' kids against Scotland at Carmarthen's Richmond Park.

It was scored by Lee McArdle - a 16-year-old centre back, hopeful of making the grade at Premier League outfit Everton.

Not much info on the rookie at the moment, but with FAW Trust elite performance director Osian Roberts in the Carmarthen crowd, hopefully there'll be tabs kept on his progress and he'll soon be winning caps under Brian Flynn.

After all, we wouldn't want skills like this go to waste - remember that Ryan Giggs actually wore the Three Lions in this competition many moons ago as an England schoolboy!

And judging by this strike, you have to wonder whether Brazil will be checking whether McArdle's a relative of Roberto Carlos!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKW5HCLcIAU


 

October 9, 2007

Tosh Says He Got It Wrong . . .

Yes, you did read the headline correctly - Wales boss Toshack has held his hands up and admitted he's been wrong with Wales.

Now, although Savage-gate, Oster-gate and Collins-gate have all previously opened up a path to criticise Tosh and his stubbornness to back down, the former Real Madrid manager isn't as obstinate as you'd think.

And when results haven't gone the way we've all wanted, Tosh has taken a good look at his own role before laying into his team.

Speaking to Wales on Sunday, Toshack outlined the three times he felt he let his country down, and the three chances he's got to put that right.

A start against Cyprus this Saturday would be welcomed by all.

Carry on reading for this weekend's interview in full.

Continue reading "Tosh Says He Got It Wrong . . ." »


 

October 8, 2007

What a Weekend . . .

So rugby unites as a nation then, does it?
Well, the smiles on faces this morning suggests football plays a small part too.
Try telling Cardiff fans it's a miserable time to be a Welshman after their first home win in seven months.
And try pulling Swans supporters down off cloud nine after faith in promotion was restored five times over at top-of-the-table Orient on Saturday.
And even Wrexham followers - down in the dumps for weeks - are seeing things a bit brighter after Friday night's success.
Now all we need is for Tosh's team to follow suit against Cyprus on Saturday and we're done!

Continue reading "What a Weekend . . ." »


 

October 2, 2007

Has Wales Boss Tosh Mellowed?

Wales manager John Toshack has left problem pair Danny Collins and Paul Parry out of his squad for the games with Cyprus and San Marino.

But Tosh has insisted the door is open for both of them to make a return to international football when they want.

Toshack phoned Sunderland defender Collins before naming his squad for the qualifying double-header after Collins pulled out of the games against Germany and Slovakia.

He had cited an ankle injury as the reason for his last absence - but has now admitted he is worried about his place in the Black Cats' side.

The discussion last month was thought to have ended angrily.

And when we've seen that happen in the past it's meant the end of the road for that particular player when it comes to the red shirt.

Robbie Savage, Ben Thatcher, John Oster - even Collins himself once before.

You always got the impression, no matter how right you thought the manager was, he had a tendency of being a tad harsh, making a quick call he would never back down from.

But although Tosh did warn Collins and Parry - whose personal problems remain enough for the Welsh boss to go easy on his absence - their places could be at risk with others looking to step-in, he didn't blast their decisions.

Okay, he wasn't exactly chuffed - but the very fact he said he was willing to give them another chance suggests the former Real Madrid manager might have mellowed three years into the job.

That's fine - after all, we know we can't go and cut off the few options available to a country of our limited resources.

But Tosh is worryingly opening himself up for a return of that old debate of bringing back Sav and Oster. I, for one, was hoping that issue had been put to bed after the Blackburn midfielder's ill-timed and ill-informed recent comments.

"I would have picked them both for this squad if they had made themselves available," said Toshack on Parry and Collins.

"The door is still open for them both, and I do not want to be ringing people every time there is a squad to find out if they want to play.

"I understand both players' reasons, but maybe in six months when they decide they want to be involved again, they may find others are now in front of them.

"Collins no doubt sees Gareth Bale and Joe Ledley ahead of him in the left-sided roles and has decided he wants to do all he can to stay in the Sunderland team.

"I also fully understand Parry's problems. Neither of them feel they want to be in the squad at the moment."

Why the sudden change of heart? Perhaps he's still smiling at the wonderful 5-2 win in Slovakia and the chnace of grabbing tow more wins on the road against the group minnows later this month.

Or perhaps he'd just read this World Cup Boost exclusive in the latest edition of Wales on Sunday.


 

September 29, 2007

Saturday Stars

It may still only be September but you can't help feel all three of our clubs need big results already today.

The Swans - complete with Cardiff exile Warren Feeney in attack - host Brighton, knowing a win will restore the confidence of pre-season that they can play their way to promotion.

Wrexham will take anything against Lincoln to somehow scramble out of the relegation rut - although recent performances suggest that might be easier said than done.

And Cardiff can start creeping up the table and making their rivals nervous with a win in Yorkshire against Barnsley.

Listen to Dave Jones often enough and he'll tell you (ad nauseam) this is the toughest division to get out of, anybody can beat anybody, etc etc

Now, that is probably true - but you can't get away from the fact some games are easier than others and the Tykes are one of them.

Ask any Swans fan and they'll tell you they shouldn't even be here (penalties take a long time to get over!)

Simon Davey has done a great little job on hardly any money but this could be a season too far for the club - and Cardiff have to take full advantage of that if they are to build on recent results.

So early in the season it might be - but these next set of 90 minutes are the most important yet.

Then again, isn't that always the way . . .


 

September 25, 2007

Catching Up

How about a little catch-up. . .and I don't mean the prospect facing bottom of the league Wrexham at the moment.

Just in case you missed some of the big stories from Wales on Sunday this week, here they are again.

Can the Hart Go On? -We look at what's next for Big John Hartson, and hear the views of David Pleat - the manager who gave the super-sized striker his big break.


Hughes a Clever Boy- We spoke to former Wales boss Mark Hughes, looking every inch the Premier League manager at Blackburn, and found out what Jose's last words were.

The Three Amigos! - It's all gone a bit Club Med at the Morfa.

By the way, apologies for the lack of updates last week - computer gremlins got the better of the blog but normal service has resumed.


 

September 12, 2007

Wales Secure Slovakia Revenge

Wales got even with Slovakia after Craig Bellamy inspired John Toshack's team to a 5-2 Euro 2008 qualifying win in Trnava.

Bellamy scored two and had a hand in the other three to secure just the second competitive away win under Tosh, making amends for the 5-1 hammering the Slovaks dished out in Cardiff last year.

And although the worrying defensive wobbles remained, Wales were able to get the goals and the victory needed to push this young side further along their road to development.

Continue reading "Wales Secure Slovakia Revenge" »


 

September 9, 2007

Wales Not even Klose - Big Nev's verdict

So, two Miroslav Klose goals was enough to see Germany stroll to victory over Wales and bring the recent optimism back down to earth.

Here's what Wales on Sunday columnist and Wales' record cap holder Neville Southall thought . . .


IN a private moment John Toshack might have thanked Germany coach Joachim Low for teaching his young Welsh pups an international footballing education.

Tosh’s tots can only learn from the German masterclass as their well-drilled opponents out-played, out-thought, out-muscled and dominated Wales.

The Welsh rookies paid the price for showing a world-class team too much respect and allowing a top five team walk all over them.

It is no slight of young Wales but Germany showed Gareth Bale and co the standard they need to attain to compete at the very top level of football.

Wales coach Toshack’s revolution is still in its infancy whereas the Germans – semi-finalists at last year’s World Cup – are the real deal; one of European football’s great forces are ready to roar again.

Continue reading "Wales Not even Klose - Big Nev's verdict" »


 

September 8, 2007

BREAKING NEWS - Bellamy out of Wales Germany Clash

Captain Craig Bellamy is out of Wales' Euro 2008 qualifier with Germany at the Millennium Stadium.

Bellamy missed training with his team-mates yesterday morning following minor compliactions over the birth of his daughter.

The striker's wife, Claire, gave birth to the couple's third child on Monday but problems have arisen to disrupt his time with the Welsh camp this week.

And despite insisting Bellamy was more than likely to feature, manager John Toshack dropped a bombshell just an hour before kick-off by leaving out the West Ham ace.

Bellamy's absence has meant Toshack has to shuffle his side, Joe Ledley coming into the team in midfield while Jason Koumas is likely to play just off main frontman Freddy Eastwood.

Danny Gabbidon has taken the armband having captained the side to victory in Bulgaria last month.

WALES SIDE TO PLAY GERMANY - Hennessey; Ricketts, J Collins, Gabbidon (Cpt), Nyatanga, Bale; Davies, Robinson, Ledley; Koumas; Eastwood.
SUBS: Morgan, Llewellyn, Jones, Crofts, Fletcher, Earnshaw, Price (gk).


 

September 8, 2007

Cardiff Calling for Wales and Germany

Just a few hours to go before Wales and Germany clash in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in their Euro 2008 qualifier.

It's a shame but the tension on the streets surrounding the stadium just isn't there.

Maybe the focus of the nation has shifted towards France with some tournament being played over there.

But just 30,000 - if they get a decent walk-up - is a real shame for what could prove to be a corker.

Wales have long had a decent record at home against the Germans, a side who might not have the top, top class stars of yesteryear but are still one of the best international outfits in the world today.

I for one am looking forward to seeing Bastien Schweinsteiger play - a class act who was one of the stars of the recent World Cup in my book.

But perhaps I'm more excited at seeing what our young guns can do on the big stage. Can Gareth Bale continue his great start to the season? Can Koumas step up like he's been asked to? Can Wayne Hennessey continue his clean sheet run for his country? Can Freddy Eastwood look as comfortable at international level as he did in Bulgaria?

It seems I'm not the only one after speaking to Wales on Sunday's exclusive columnist Neville Southall a few moments ago.

Big Nev, Wales' most capped player, told me: "They'll be feeling just so excited to get out there. They know they're playing a good, good team but they all want to show they can compete.

"And when you've got nothing to lose and you can relax and then you tend to play your best stuff. It was the same for me when Everton played Man Utd in the 1995 FA Cup final.

"And the same when we played Germany in 1991 -and we won that one too.

"Tosh will keep them in check and try to stop them using up that nervous energy until it comes to kick-off when they'll feel like they can take on the world.

"They'll need to fly out of the blocks. But if Wayne - who I really like the look of - can keep pulling off those saves, the defence and midfield play really well then you've got half a chance.

"And Eastwood showed he only needed half a chance against Bulgaria."

So, do Wales have half a chance? And will that be the boost this young team needs to kick-on for the rest of the campaign - and the whole of the next one?

It's a big ask, I'm looking forward to getting some answers in a few hours.

Stay logged on for team updates and some quick fire reaction after the game.

And then buy Wales on Sunday tomorrow for the best review of the game around - including Big Nev's full and exclusive verdict.


 

September 4, 2007

Can't Play, Won't Play - Danny Collins out of Wales Squad

Danny Collins' international future is in doubt once more - but this time it looks like it really is all over for the Sunderland defender.

The former Buckley and Chester stopper pulled out of John Toshack's squad for the games against Germany and Slovakia citing an ankle problem.

But he - perhaps foolishly - conceded to Tosh that he was striving to be for the Makems' Premier League clash with Reading after the international break.

Naturally, that hasn't gone down too well with the Wales boss and he let it slip he doesn't expect to speak to 27-year-old Collins again.

Continue reading "Can't Play, Won't Play - Danny Collins out of Wales Squad" »


 

August 25, 2007

Bale Set to Earn Spurs

Gareth Bale is set to win his Premier League bow in tomorrow's big clash between Spurs and Man Utd.

And what a time to make your big-time bow as the defending champions look for their first win of the season while Spurs' boss Martin Jol remains under huge pressure with the North London club.

It's hardly a low-profile start for Bale, who is Wales' most expensive ever player following his £10m switch from Southampton in the summer.

Not that the Cardiff-born kid is fazed by the daunting prospect of making your top-flight debut at Old Trafford in front of the TV cameras.

The 18-year-old has been speaking to Wales on Sunday this week about facing idol and former international captain Ryan Giggs. But Bale is solely focused on pulling on a lilywhite shirt for the first time and helping the under-fire club start their charge for a Champions League place.

Still, the fact Jol is prepared to throw the youngster straight into the heat of the battle after his recovery from a thigh problem speaks volumes for how his ability and temperament is viewed at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham officials were keen for Bale to play 45 minutes out in Bulgaria in midweek to boost his fitness and have worked closely with FAW staff to monitor his progress.

It points to a happy relationship - and hopefully Bale will be all smiles tomorrow after he finally becomes a Premier League player in earnest.


 

August 22, 2007

Wales Win in Bulgaria

Freddy Eastwood made John Toshack's day with a stunning debut goal to earn Wales a 1-0 win in Bulgaria.

The Wolves striker hammered home from outside the box on the stroke of half-time in his first game for his adopted country.

It still needed a brave rearguard effort and some fine keeping from Wayne Hennessey, but a result like this for a side with an average age of under 23 is not something to sneeze at.

And it gives Tosh his first win in three and a timely boost before next month's big Euro qualifying clash against Germany.

Continue reading "Wales Win in Bulgaria" »


 

August 22, 2007

Wales Under 21s shine in Sweden

Brian Flynn's Under 21 side gave Wales some hope for the future with a fantastic friendly result out in Sweden.

And the side that worked hard for a 4-3 win included the three names Wales on Sunday told you to look out for this year; Rhys Williams, Ched Evans and Sam Vokes.

Flynn's fledglings were 3-1 down to a Ola Toivonen hat-trick inside the opening 45 minutes thanks to two penalties for the hosts.

But goals from David Cotterill, David Edwards, Vokes and Swansea City's exciting young midfielder Joe Allen won it for the rookie Dragons.

Continue reading "Wales Under 21s shine in Sweden" »


 

August 18, 2007

Wales Fit and Ready

After four positive results for our Welsh sides, the national team is set for more good news with withdrawals set to be at a minimum for Wales game with Bulgaria this week.

John Toshack has not yet received any further injury notices after James Collins pulled out earlier this week with a calf problem.

FAW officials will be waiting by the phone to double check the rest of the 21-man squad have come through today's games unscathed.

Steve Evans didn’t play for Wrexham after he continues his recovery from an ankle problem picked up in pre-season, but he will be fit to report, while Mark Jones did feature in the Red Dragons' win over Morcambe.

Read Wales on Sunday tomorrow for more news on the game and the best review and reaction of the rest of the football.

Cardiff fans will be smiling that their off-the-field troubles have been overshadowed by their 2-0 win at QPR, their first league points and goals of the new campaign coming at the same time courtesy of Steve MacLean and Paul Parry.

Wrexham will be pleased to get over their opening day defeat at Darlington by seeing off the league's new boys.

And while Swansea didn't get the victory they were after, the performance at the Liberty Stadium will have had fans purring and rivals quaking as only the woodwork and keeper Paul Smith stopped the hosts.


 

August 4, 2007

Boy Wonder for Wales?

Wales could put up a fight to land the whizz-kid the world has been watching this week.

Rhain Davis has caught the imagination of internet users across the globe after a video of his samba-like skills was posted on website YouTube.

He has already been snapped up by Manchester United's academey after the nine-year-old was compared with fellow boy-wonder (although a veteran compared with this nipper) Wayne Rooney.

Even the front page of The Sun was dedicated to the youngster, who hails from Brisbane, Australia, after more than 3 million hits on the selection of his tricks for junior club Redlands United.

He faces a long journey ahead, of course, but excited observers are tipping him to be a future England ace because he holds a British passport.

But of course, that means he has his choice of the home nations and if Wales are quick they could make sure he wears red instead of white in any future international career.

I mean, with a name like Davis, he'd fit straight in.

And the old enemy owe us one after nicking Owen Hargreaves.


 

August 2, 2007

Wales should watch out for League Talent

Believe it or not, it's season preview time already and all eyes will be firmly fixed on the Premiership for Wales' top stars.

But don't forget what's bubbling underneath for Tosh's team - and I don't mean the usual suspects from our three FL clubs.

There's a few others around the country who - given a good season - could find themselves in contention for international places for the six games left of this campaign.

One has been in the headlines recently after Luton and Shrewsbury settled their differences over a fee for his services. The player in question? Midfielder David Edwards, who seems like he's been around for years but is still only 21.

Edwards broke through at the Shrews as a 16-year-old and has gained good experience at the lower end of the league, but now has been given his chance to step up under Kevin Blackwell. Involved with Wales in the last squad before play-off commitments ruled him out, Edwards could yet prove to be the player we all hope he can be.

Continue reading "Wales should watch out for League Talent" »


 

August 1, 2007

Wrexham Could Miss Out on Triallist

Brian Carey could miss out on impressive triallist Kaid Mohamed after he played for Swindon last night.

Mohamed, 22, has caught the eye in the Red Dragon's pre-season outings so far, scoring against Blackburn last month and looking the part during the club's mini-tour to Northern Ireland.

But the striker, who has yet to be told if he will be given a contract, has also been given a chance to earn a deal with newly promoted League One outfit Swindon, with manager Paul Sturrock starting him in a friendly game against Bristol City at the County Ground last night.


Carey does have plenty of options up-front , but he'd be loathe to miss out on the next hit to come out of the Welsh Premier.

Swindon, who also used a trial game where fans could text in their recommendations last week, also tried to scupper Swansea's chances of landing Owain Tudur Jones from Bangor a couple of seasons back. Although Jones has been unlucky with injuries, no-one could doubt he was worth a punt by then-manager Kenny Jackett.

And perhaps Carey would do a lot worse by offering ex-Carmarthen, Llanelli and Cwmbran youngster Mohamed a short-term deal.

Continue reading "Wrexham Could Miss Out on Triallist" »


 

July 17, 2007

Got Milk?

Brian Flynn has named his Wales Under 19 squad for the annual Milk Cup tournament in Northern Ireland on July 27.

Flynny's fledglings face Chile and Israel - definitely good experience for the young 'uns.

Few names to look out for, obvious ones like Ramsey aside; Bristol City's James Wilson has courted interest from Spurs while his club colleague Christian Ribeiro has also caught the eye.

Jamie Price was tipped for big things at Birmingham - the new Robbie Savage app