Earlier this week The Sportsman featured an article which was strongly against the appointment of Ryan Giggs as Wales manager. Here's an opposing view.
Ever since Chris Coleman vacated his post as the Wales manager there has been great interest in who his eventual successor will be.
The scale of the challenge facing the new boss in trying to emulate or better Coleman’s achievements is a big reason behind all the intrigue.
After three-and-a-half years Coleman had helped Wales complete an extraordinary rise up the rankings table, climbing 109 places and sitting within the top 10 alongside esteemed company including Brazil, Spain and current world champions Germany.
The former Fulham, Crystal Palace and Swansea City defender will perhaps be remembered as one of the country’s best ever managers because of their magical performance at the 2016 European Championships.
Not only did they defy all the odds in qualifying for the tournament – marking a first appearance at a major competition in 58 years – but they reached the semi-finals beating heavily favoured Belgium along the way.
Although Coleman’s tenure was dampened by the disappointment of Wales failing to book their place at the World Cup later this year it was still going to be a stern challenge for his successor.
Yesterday the Football Association of Wales (FAW) made the bold decision to choose Ryan Giggs as the man to lead the country.
Despite enjoying a glittering career as a player, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns during his Manchester United career, the 44-year-old is vastly inexperienced when it comes to management.
The choice looks even braver when you learn that one of the other frontrunners for the job, Osian Roberts, has been involved with the Welsh system through all the age grades and was assistant boss to Coleman.
Although Roberts has yet to hold a manager’s position he does have a terrific bond with the current squad, playing a big part in their fantastic run at Euro 2016.
Despite all that and the appointment of Giggs appearing to bear a real lack of common sense, there is a good chance the former United winger could be a revelation.
Much like his predecessor Giggs has represented Wales as a player, winning over 60 caps, which will help him to quickly earn the trust and respect of the current squad.
For someone like Roberts it might’ve taken longer for the players to buy into his philosophy but because Giggs has spent a great many years on the field there is likely to be a greater belief in his approach.
Another reason why Giggs could be the man to reignite Wales after the heartache of missing out on a place at the World Cup is his fervent desire and determination to succeed.
The former Red Devils player was known for producing magnificent displays in the biggest of games and more importantly has a supreme knowledge of what it takes to win titles.
This kind of past experience will certainly make it easier for him to resonate with the current crop at Wales, giving them the belief they can perform similar feats for their country.
Coming in at this particular time might also prove a blessing in disguise for Giggs with no immediate pressure of performing at a major tournament to worry about. He can instead focus on identifying his best team whilst putting in a good amount of time towards implementing his style of play and tactical approach.
