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Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey defends comments regarding the next steps for the Wales national team following the death of Gary Speed
The national captain had admitted his disappointment at the lack of contact from the FAW as they search for a new manager following the 42-year-old's tragic passing in November
12 Jan 2012 12:27:00
By Oliver Platt
Getty Images
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has defended his comments criticising the Football Association of Wales (FAW) regarding the future of the national team.
The FAW is currently searching for a new manager following the death of Gary Speed in November.
Ramsey expressed his disappointment at the lack of contact between the FAW and members of the Wales squad over any potential apppointment and refused to back down when the association suggested that he had been "badly advised".
"Firstly, I would like to clarify my point," Ramsey posted on his Twitter account. "I used the word 'disappointed' for a reason.
"We have just lost our manager and leader through a tragedy and not footballing reasons. For that reason I would have thought they [the FAW] would have contacted the players to hear what we thought would be the best way forward to continue our recent success on the pitch, in which we have been building for the World Cup qualifiers for the last 11 months with a clear view.
"With regards to being badly advised in my comments, I am a grown man and captain of my country. I care deeply about the future of Welsh football.
"I wasn't advised by anyone and nor would I need to be. I gave an honest answer to a specific question and everything I said was done with my best intentions, hence the fact I am willing to stand behind my beliefs and not leave my comments nameless."
The FAW, however, seem determined to appoint their own man, with former Fulham manager Chris Coleman emerging as the favourite for the job having recently left Greek side Larissa.
"We're very surprised that Aaron has come out with these comments, particularly given he is captain," an FAW source told WalesOnline. "We believe he has been badly advised.
"Make no mistake, this will be an appointment made by the FAW, not by the players."
Ramsey had warned against making a "big change" to the current set-up, a view also supported by Tottenham star Gareth Bale. Speed's assistant, Dutch coach Raymond Verheijen, has indicated he would be interested in becoming the new manager.
The FAW is currently searching for a new manager following the death of Gary Speed in November.
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Ramsey expressed his disappointment at the lack of contact between the FAW and members of the Wales squad over any potential apppointment and refused to back down when the association suggested that he had been "badly advised".
"Firstly, I would like to clarify my point," Ramsey posted on his Twitter account. "I used the word 'disappointed' for a reason.
"We have just lost our manager and leader through a tragedy and not footballing reasons. For that reason I would have thought they [the FAW] would have contacted the players to hear what we thought would be the best way forward to continue our recent success on the pitch, in which we have been building for the World Cup qualifiers for the last 11 months with a clear view.
"With regards to being badly advised in my comments, I am a grown man and captain of my country. I care deeply about the future of Welsh football.
"I wasn't advised by anyone and nor would I need to be. I gave an honest answer to a specific question and everything I said was done with my best intentions, hence the fact I am willing to stand behind my beliefs and not leave my comments nameless."
The FAW, however, seem determined to appoint their own man, with former Fulham manager Chris Coleman emerging as the favourite for the job having recently left Greek side Larissa.
"We're very surprised that Aaron has come out with these comments, particularly given he is captain," an FAW source told WalesOnline. "We believe he has been badly advised.
"Make no mistake, this will be an appointment made by the FAW, not by the players."
Ramsey had warned against making a "big change" to the current set-up, a view also supported by Tottenham star Gareth Bale. Speed's assistant, Dutch coach Raymond Verheijen, has indicated he would be interested in becoming the new manager.
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|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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