Wales in talks with Giggs
RYAN GIGGS has been formally interviewed for the vacant Wales job as the Manchester United legend looks to take his first steps in management. The Welsh FA have also spoken to Craig Bellamy, Osian Roberts, and Mark Bowen and are looking to make a swift appointment, possibly as early as Monday. Giggs is the front-runner, with support from the squad due to his esteemed playing career and also at board level because of his high profile and application to coaching badges. Giggs had brushed up on his presentation skills in preparation and his interview included in-depth analysis of Wales’s youth development programme. Chris Coleman left the manager’s role in November after Wales failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup and chief executive Jonathan Ford wants a successor in place for the Nations League draw on January 24. Bellamy, currently the coach of Cardiff City Under 18s, was interviewed in the Midlands on Thursday and has spoken passionately about wanting to manage his country. But it is unclear whether the former Manchester City and Liverpool striker would be willing to work with Roberts, Coleman’s former assistant, and that may count against him. Roberts has long held an interest in the managerial post himself but already enjoys a role as technical director, helping to bring through young players. Roberts has previously given his backing to Giggs. Bowen, assistant to Mark Hughes at Stoke, has also been interviewed. ‘Of course I’m interested,’ said Giggs last month. ‘I’ve played for Wales and I’ve said that I want to go back into coaching. Obviously that is one of the top jobs.’ The winger was assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years before parting ways with United following Jose Mourinho’s arrival in 2016.