Wales make biggest world rankings move

The Welsh football manager Gary Speed, who was found dead on Sunday (Gary Speed)

The Wales team managed by the late Gary Speed have been confirmed as the "best movers of the year" in FIFA's world rankings after moving into the top 50.

Under the stewardship of Speed, who took over in late 2010, Wales rose from 116th to finish the year in 48th place.

Speed, who died last month aged 42, oversaw Euro 2012 qualifying victories over Montenegro, Switzerland and Bulgaria, as well as impressive performances in friendlies including a 4-1 victory over Norway in his final match in charge.

That saw them amass 330 points under FIFA's system, more than any other nation in the world.

The top 10 of the world rankings are unchanged from November, with world and European champions Spain in first place ahead of Holland, Germany and Uruguay.

England finished the year in fifth place.

PA