Toshack quits as Wales coach

John Toshack resigned as Wales coach on Thursday after just one match of his country’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Former Real Madrid boss Toshack’s future had been in doubt since Wales were beaten 1-0 by Montenegro in their Euro 2012 opener last Friday.

Wales face qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland in October and Toshack was willing to stay on for those crucial matches before stepping down.

But he confirmed his departure with immediate effect at a press conference on Thursday following talks with the Welsh Football Association’s president Phil Pritchard and chief executive Jonathan Ford.

The 61-year-old had been in charge of Wales for almost six years but was unable to inspire the team to make a significant bid to reach either the World Cup or European Championships.

He came in for heavy criticism following Wales’ under-whelming display against Montenegro in Podgorica and has decided to leave by mutual consent.

Toshack, a former Liverpool striker, began his management career by leading Swansea to the English top-flight before going on to take charge of several top European clubs, including two spells with Real Madrid and three with Real Sociedad.

He first took charge of Wales in 1994 but left after just one game before taking the post again 10 years later.

Former Wales defender Chris Coleman, currently out of work after leaving Coventry last season, is one of the leading contenders to replace Toshack.

Manchester United’s Welsh winger Ryan Giggs, Millwall manager Kenny Jackett and Wales Under-21 coach Brian Flynn have also been linked with the job.