Aaron Ramsey defends views on Wales manager search

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Captain Aaron Ramsey has moved to clarify his comments over the search for the new Wales manager after receiving criticism for expressing his disappointment that the players had not been consulted.

The Football Association of Wales are searching for a new manager following Gary Speed's death at the end of November, and former Fulham and Coventry boss Chris Coleman is thought to be the favourite after standing down as boss of Greek side Larissa earlier this week.

But Ramsey was unhappy that FAW chiefs had not spoken to senior members of the national squad about the ongoing hunt for a new manager, believing that they should have been asked for their views.

Having received criticism for his comments, the 21-year-old took to his official Twitter page to respond, denying he had been badly advised and saying he had given his opinion with the "best intentions".

In a series of tweets, Ramsey said: "Firstly I would like to clarify my point. I used the word disappointed for a reason. We have just lost our manager and leader through a tragedy and not footballing reasons.

"For that reason I would have thought they would have contacted the players to hear what we thought would be the best way forward to continue our recent success on the pitch, in which we have been building for the world cup qualifiers for the last 11 months with a clear view.

"With regards to being badly advised in my comments I am a grown man and captain of my country, to which I care deeply about the future of Welsh football. I wasn't advised by anyone and nor would I need to be.

"I gave an honest answer to a specific question and everything I said was done with my best intentions, hence the fact I am willing to stand behind my beliefs and not leave my comments nameless."

Wales had won four of their last five games under Speed's stewardship, and their next fixture is a memorial match in his honour versus Costa Rica, against who Speed won the first of his 85 caps, at the end of February.

The FAW have appointed a six-man panel, led by president Phil Pritchard to spearhead the hunt for their next manager.

PA