It seems that since Wales boss Chris Coleman left his role and joined Sunderland every Welshman has put their hat in the ring for the job of national team boss.
Coleman did a superb job managing the Dragons during his six-year tenure. In fact, he took them to newfound levels on the international stage in the modern era.
The team have made giant leaps in the past few years. However, after failing to make next year’s World Cup it is vital that the FAW make the right decision on the next boss so that the progress made under Coleman can continue in the future.
An attractive job
It seems there is a massive list of candidates to take the vacant job. It is simply amazing the range of people who have been touted for the job, from Thierry Henry and John Hartson to Tony Pulis and everybody in between.
The job looks like an attractive one. The Dragons have a decent group of players, with the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey the cream of the crop in the current set-up.
The team’s performances in reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 show just what they can achieve. I am sure many bosses and coaches are keeping their eye on the situation.
Pulis the favourite to take the role
A number of famous Welshman seem to be in the running for the job. Managerial rookies Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy are two of the favourites to land the job.
However, neither has any experience of even being a first-team boss, unless you count an ill-fated few games for Giggs as a caretaker boss at Manchester United after the sacking of David Moyes. I believe he will want to forget that, though.
Both have enjoyed coaching experience at various levels. Being a boss is a very different proposition to just being a coach. The expectations are now high amongst the Welsh support. In many ways, Wales have been a victim of their own success at Euro 2016.
However, their last two managerial appointments were younger bosses in Gary Speed and of course Coleman himself. That trend may continue with the likes of Giggs or Bellamy, both would certainly bring major passion to the job.
The favourite for the job is experienced former West Brom boss Tony Pulis, whose timing could not be better. The 59-year-old parted company with the Baggies on Monday and was immediately linked with managing the country of his birth.
The former Stoke boss is now the clear favourite at odds of 4/7 to be the next boss of the Welsh national team.
I am not sure if he would be a popular choice, to be honest. He would make Wales solid, but his style of play is often criticised. He does have immense managerial experience, though and that would stand him in good stead in international football.
Wales can still thrive
Chris Coleman leaving his post was always only a matter of time. The former Fulham boss had to move back to club football while his stock was still high. Why he chose to join Sunderland is beyond me. It was certainly a baffling decision.
However, Coleman has left the national team in good shape. If the next Wales boss can continue the good work of Coleman, then the Welsh national team can continue to thrive and progress for years to come.
Who will be the next Wales boss?
