Wales set to announce Speed as new manager

(PA)

Gary Speed is set to be confirmed as the new manager of Wales today. The Sheffield United manager met representatives of the Football Association of Wales yesterday to discuss the position vacated by John Toshack in September after being granted permission by his club.

The talks with Wales's most-capped outfield player are expected to be a formality, with an official announcement due after a meeting of the FAW's 28-man ruling council in Cardiff.

The 41-year-old Speed is apparently being preferred to Chris Coleman, despite the former Fulham manager's considerable experience at Premier League level. It is understood Coleman has also been offered a job at Larissa, currently bottom of the Greek Super League.

Speed's playing career spanned 20 years and took in Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton before ending at Bramall Lane, but he has struggled on his managerial debut after stepping up from his coaching role there to replace Kevin Blackwell just three games into this season. The Blades have lost half of his 18 games in charge, leaving them one point above the Championship relegation zone.