IBRA RISKS BETS RAP
Edwards warns the new boss to learn from old boss’s mistakes and put his own stamp on Dragons right away
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC is heading for trouble with the FA over his role with a new betting company.
The Manchester United striker is reportedly an ambassador for BetHard, which aims to become Europe’s leading sports betting brand.
The FA will closely scrutinise Ibrahimovic’s involvement to see if it breaches strict betting rules. If it does, the 36-year-old Swede may face sanctions. Players, as well as
RYAN GIGGS must learn from Chris Coleman’s mistakes and immediately put his own stamp on Wales, according to veteran Dragons star Dave Edwards.
Manchester United legend Giggs is preparing for his first game in charge as permanent Wales boss in China tomorrow.
Stalwart Edwards, 32, retired this month, following 43 caps in an 11-year international career.
The Reading midfielder’s service included three games at Euro 2016, when they made the semi-finals under Coleman.
But he recalled how Coleman toiled as Gary Speed’s successor, losing his first five games as he doggedly stuck to his predecessor’s approach.
Giggs has brought in Tony Strudwick as Wales’ head of performance and Albert Stuivenberg as his assistant.
But he is keeping Osian Roberts and goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts, from Coleman’s regime, in his backroom staff.
Edwards believes it is vital Giggs gets the balance right between being his own man and not totally ripping up Coleman’s legacy.
Edwards said: “When Chris Coleman first came in, he tried too hard to keep things the same as Gary Speed.
“It wasn’t until we went on a dismal run of form, where we lost four or five games, that he actually said, ‘No, I am going to do it my way’.
“It is important Ryan Giggs does that as well.
“It is good he has kept Osian, so he has the continuity from the Gary Speed and Chris Coleman era.
“He is a great mind to bounce things off and a very good coach. But it is important Ryan Giggs does it his own way with his own ideas. I hope it goes well, but, if it doesn’t, he can also feel he has done it his way and given it a real go. “I think, for a first job, it will work well for him, though, because between camps you can really prepare and get a clear vision and game plan of what you want.
“Club football is a lot different and more reactive.”
After playing China tomorrow, Wales will face either Uruguay or the Czech Republic on Monday as Giggs looks to the future after they missed out on this summer’s World Cup.
Edwards will be watching with much interest, after playing for Wales since the Under-17s through all the age groups. John Toshack gave him his debut when Wales were in the doldrums – before climbing into the top 10 of the FIFA rankings under Coleman.
Edwards added: “The first few years was really tough, we struggled in the FIFA rankings and had poor attendances.
“But even the tough times made it all worthwhile because we eventually got momentum.
“And I’m really proud to have been part of the most successful Welsh team in history and what we achieved in 2016.
“It is amazing how far it has come. If you had said to me, seven years ago, we’d be in the semi-finals of a major tournament, I’d have thought you were on something.”