Gary Speed has been confirmed as the new manager of Wales and admits it`s been a wrench to leave Sheffield United.
The former Newcastle United midfielder, second in the list of all-time Welsh caps with 85 to his name, has left the Blades less than four months after taking over from Kevin Blackwell, winning just six of his 18 matches during that time.
He admits he`s delighted to fulfil a dream by taking over the Welsh helm, a position he was first mooted for back when Mark Hughes left the job in 2004.
Speed believes Wales can match anyone on their day, with the qualities of Aaron Ramsay, Gareth Bale and the experience of Craig Bellamy key to the squad`s development.
First up for the 41-year old is a tough trip to the Republic of Ireland in early February, where he`ll face Giovanni Trappatoni`s side in the first match of the Nations Cup, before late March where a big crowd is sure to welcome him when England visit in a Euro 2012 qualifier.
To listen to Speed’s first press conference as Wales manager, including his feelings on leaving Sheffield United CLICK HERE
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