Flynn takes temporary charge of Wales

Soccer: Wales Under-21 manager Brian Flynn has taken temporary charge of the senior team and paid tribute to the work of John…

Soccer:Wales Under-21 manager Brian Flynn has taken temporary charge of the senior team and paid tribute to the work of John Toshack.

Flynn has been placed in charge for Wales' next two qualifying games against Bulgaria and Switzerland following Toshack's decision to leave the post he held for six years.

Toshack left the job last week after Wales lost their opening qualifying match 1-0 to Montenegro in Podgorica.

Flynn, among those mentioned to succeed on a permanent basis believes the former Wales and Liverpool striker should be given credit for what he achieved during six years in charge of the national team.

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"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with John Toshack in the Wales set-up and feel that we have made great strides to establishing a side for the future," said Flynn. "I would like to pay tribute to the work that John has done and the faith that he has shown in me and my judgement."

Flynn, who looks after the Under-21, Under-19 and Under-17 teams, will manage the senior side for the game against Bulgaria at the Cardiff City Stadium on October 8 and the encounter with Switzerland in Basle four days later.

His current Under-21 backroom staff of David Williams and Alan Curtis will assist him for the senior games, along with Paul Jones who will be goalkeeping coach for the two qualifiers.

Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford said: "The FAW is very pleased that Brian has agreed to assist us with these two matches whilst we give consideration to the full-time position.

"I hope that the Wales fans will come and support him and the team in the match at Cardiff on October 8."

The 61-year-old Toshack had come in for fierce criticism, with Derby midfielder Robbie Savage leading the calls for him to go, after Wales lost in Podgorica on September 3.

He announced he was leaving the post six days later at a press conference called by the FAW.

At the press conference Toshack said: "I spoke to the president about reviewing it after the first few games but it is generally felt a change would be in the best interests of everyone."

Toshack, who had a brief spell in charge of Wales in 1994, had overseen 21 wins in 53 full-cap internationals since returning to the post six years ago.

Flynn, 54, has featured among the names linked with the post on a permanent basis along with Kenny Jackett, Ryan Giggs, Mark Bowen, Chris Coleman, Dean Saunders, Tony Pulis and John Hartson.

Jackett has ruled himself out of the running but Giggs has been put forward as a possible candidate by former Wales boss Mark Hughes, now in charge of Fulham.