Dylan Ebenezer is worried about damaging the international set up
Is there a danger that the hunt for a new Welsh football manager could damage Welsh football?
There are rival factions emerging and the unity which was developed under Gary Speed could quickly disappear.
It’s such a difficult and emotional situation – this was seen clearly this week following Aaron Ramsey’s criticism of the FA of Wales.
He claimed that no one has consulted the players over the appointment and was obviously not happy.
Things could get messy.
Ramsey was speaking on behalf of the squad when he called for no change. They want to see assistants Raymond Verheijen and Osian Roberts remaining in their posts.
If a figurehead is need then so be it – Ramsey mentioned Ian Rush and Ryan Giggs – but that should be that. If it aint broke – don’t fix it.
Players know from experience how much things can change when there is a change of manager – and they don’t want to see that happening with Wales.
Speed changed everything – not just the results.
I looked at the official squad list before his last game in charge against Norway recently (I do these things – I’m strange like that!) there is almost as many staff as players.
This was a bit of a joke at first but nobody was questioning the role of a ‘Sport Scientist 2’ by the end.
Ramsey stressed the importance of the structure that was put in place and the players are worried that a new boss would want to change everything.
The young captain has every right to voice his concerns – and it was good to see his strong character coming through – but it was also a worrying moment.
The players hold most of the power these days – but they don’t choose the manager – that’s the FAW’s job.
Let us hope that those in charge of our game have enough sense to remember the opinion of the players when they come to making a decision.
It’s a horrible situation – nearly impossible for the Football Association. I can’t see any way that they can get rid of the coaching team – which means that the new manager will have to accept somebody else’s ideas and set up – and staff.
The only consolation is that the set up was obviously working very very well.
In the middle of the muddle is Chris Coleman. The press have decided already that the former defender is the man for the job.
Time will tell on that one – but one thing’s certain you won’t keep everyone happy! Then again – a lot of people weren’t convinced about Gary Speed.
Football can change very quickly … for better or worse.
