Toshack admits to frustrating year

(PA)

John Toshack has mounted a strong defence of his tenure as Wales manager as pressure mounts following a dismal spell of seven defeats in 10 matches over the past year.

Wales face Liechtenstein tonight in their final World Cup qualifier attempting to rescue some pride. Toshack said: "I am aware of things that maybe fans are saying. I accept that our results mean we are not in as good a position as we were 12 months ago. I am aware of people's views, but it goes with the territory. But I want a reaction from the players.

"A year ago we had won two home qualifiers, performed well in Germany and Russia and been to Denmark and won a friendly. And they have qualified. Everyone was rightly excited about the way the youngsters had played. I was offered a new agreement and accepted, and I don't remember anyone questioning that.

"But since then it has been a disappointing year," he added. "I can understand people thinking that we have gone backwards from last October.

"I accept that but it is very frustrating when you watch young players, put them into your side and then five are missing from the important games for whatever reason.

"I understand people's frustrations, but we are more frustrated than anybody. But I repeat, the people before me went two years and 10 competitive games without a win, and then left. All of them. It has not been easy."