Bolton midfielder Gary Speed has ruled himself out of the running to become the new coach of Wales. "If you've got aspirations to be a manager or coach, obviously coaching your country would be a great honour," he told BBC Sport.
"But you only get one shot at it really and for me this time I don't think I could give it my full attention.
"We want the best man for the job and I don't think that's me at the moment. I definitely won't be applying for it."
Speed ended his Wales playing career on Wednesday night after Wales' 3-2 loss to Poland in Cardiff, but support is strong, especially among some of his former team-mates, for him to step into Mark Hughes' shoes.
An offer from the Football Association of Wales, if one even comes, would probably require Speed to partner a more experienced man.
The 35-year-old said he would be willing to the idea with the FAW, but sounded unconvinced about taking such a role while continuing his playing career at Bolton.
"Until the FAW want to give me a call it's not important at the moment," Speed, who won 85 caps - including a Wales record 44 as captain - told BBC Sport.
John Toshack is the bookies' favourite to take over, but former Wrexham and Swansea boss Brian Flynn is making a strong challenge.
 | GARY SPEED FACTFILE Born: 8/9/1969, Mancot Height: 5ft 9in Caps: 85 (44 as capt; 7 goals) Career:
June 1988: Signs professional forms with Leeds
May 1990: Makes Wales debut against Costa Rica
1991/92: Wins League title with Leeds
July 1996: Joins Everton for �3.5m
Feb 1998: Joins Newcastle for �5.5m
July 2004: Joins Bolton for �750,000
Oct 2004: Retires from international football |
Wales midfielder Robbie Savage had hinted he would retire if Toshack was appointed, but the Birmingham player has since made it clear he would play for his country under any manager.
Speed is convinced the players would fully support whoever takes over; and with five months to go until Wales' next World Cup qualifier, he has urged the FAW to take their time over the selection process.
"I don't think it's important we rush it. It's important to get the best person for Welsh football," he said.
"There's been a lot of speculation and people saying who they want and who they don't want, but I think they should get the best man for the job regardless of what the press, players or anyone else thinks.
"Once he gets the job, whoever he is, everyone should get behind him so that Welsh football can progress."
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce believes Speed would struggle to combine a role for Wales with playing in the Premiership, and he would prefer his midfielder to put any coaching ambitions on hold.
Speed, who left Newcastle for the Reebok Stadium in the summer, has two years remaining on his Bolton contract.
He began his professional career in 1988, winning a League title at Elland Road before transferring to Everton.
A move to St James' Park followed in 1998 for �5.5m, but Newcastle sold him to Bolton in the summer.
MMIX
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