Wales boss Speed dismisses inexperience concerns

New Wales manager Gary Speed claims he is not concerned by any questions that might be raised about his managerial inexperience.

Speed’s appointment as successor to John Toshack has surprised many in the game, given he had only been in charge at Sheffield United since August and did not feature on any Football Association of Wales shortlist.

But the 41-year-old is relishing a chance to steer Wales out of the international doldrums, starting with a Nations Cup clash against Ireland in February and followed by a Millennium Stadium appointment with Euro 2012 qualifying rivals England.

“It’s always going to be thrown at me,” said Speed, acknowledging his fledgling managerial career.

“But I would like to thank Sheffield United for the opportunity, both as a coach under Kevin Blackwell, and as a manager.

“It’s amazing how quickly you learn in this game.

“I learned a lot as a coach and it prepared me for management. In the four months I’ve been at Sheffield United, I’ve learnt a lot about managing a team.”

Speed, who won 85 caps during a 14-year Wales international career, wants his players to make an impression from the outset of his reign.

“We want to consistently compete on an international basis,” he added.

“Results in the qualifying group so far haven’t been as good as we would have wanted, but in a way that gives us a good chance to start again and wipe the slate clean.

“We haven’t had the best start to the group, and all the pressure will be on them (England), as such.

“It’s a no-lose situation and it is something which could really kick-start us. It’s up to me to impress on the players how much enjoyment they can get out of playing for Wales. When you are playing well and the team is playing well, there is no greater feeling.”