BEHIND THE SCENES INTO A EURO FORCE

get there, the key is the system is in place that ensures the transition, whenever it happens, is smooth.” WHEN taking on his FAW role in 2007, Roberts’ two big passions were the development of young talent and providing a ‘world-class football coaching education system.’

They are still his great loves, but the arrivals of Speed and Coleman as Wales managers has enabled him to help take the likes of Bale to another level, too.

“Gary had seen the work we were doing with the under-16s and want- ed something similar sports science wise with the senior side too,” explains Roberts.

“We sat down and discussed a sixphase plan required to get us to a major finals, which included how to prepare for matches and how to play. Pass, pass, pass. From goalkeeper, through defence, midfield and finally up front.

“We knew we couldn’t do that in an instant, had to have some short term pain. Like when we played England in Cardiff and were two goals down within 20 minutes.

“Did we scrap the planning at that point and start bypassing the midfield? It would have been the easy option for damage limitation. Or were we bold enough to go through the process, keep trying to play the Welsh way, risk losing by four?

“We were heavily criticised at the time for the defeat, but knew there was a means to an end. So when the players next came into camp, we studied a video of the game, explained what we needed to do better next time ... and quite quickly we have got to where we need to be.

“The Euro success hasn’t happened by chance. Chris Coleman knew we couldn’t keep on doing the same old things, yet expecting different results.

“So while the Welsh style of play has remained the same, how we do it and who does what has changed game by game.

“We’ve played with a back three, a back four, Bale as the number nine in Belgium, Bale and Ramsey each as double number 10s against Israel and the Belgians at home.

“Chris makes the final decisions, but it’s done in conjunction with the players. We don’t just tell Gareth what to do, we explain our viewpoint and ask if he thinks it’s good, or does he suggest another way. As coaches, we would be fools not to tap into the knowledge of the world’s most expensive footballer.

“Gareth is key to that. When the other players see how he is buying so willingly into everything we try, it ensures they do, too.

“There were reservations when someone like myself, with my lack of playing background, became coach. From the outside, anyhow. But Gary knew what I could bring to the table and Chris has bought into that, as well.” ONCE, fingers crossed, Wales have played out a successful Euro 2016 campaign, Roberts will just as enthusiastically return to his day job. Preparing the younger Welsh teams and continuing to evolve the coaching system which has seen Henry, Desailly and Vieira come here for their badges.

“Those French superstars were la creme de la creme, could have gone anywhere in the world, so it’s a privilege they have opted for our system,” smiles Roberts.

“It challenges us too because let’s be blunt, they are world class talents who demanded excellence every day of their careers, and who wouldn’t have been slow to let their managers know if they felt training wasn’t up to scratch.

“These legends don’t tolerate failure, so if we undersold them they would have told me straight away. Instead, they have had nothing but good words to say about their work with us.”