Welsh bookmakers have suspended betting on John Toshack succeeding Mark Hughes as manager of Wales. "We had a punter coming in wanting to bet �10,000 on Toshack getting the job," said Karl Williams, a spokesman for Jack Brown bookmakers.
"When a person looks to put that sort of money down, we have to assume he knows more than we do.
"We expect a decision sooner rather than later on this, with that sort of money it looks like it's in the bag."
Wales and Birmingham midfield star Robbie Savage has come out against Toshack's appointment because of the former Real Madrid manager's forthright media criticism of Hughes' teams.
However, Toshack has widespread backing amongst Welsh football fans and officials, whilst other members of the squad favour his appointment. "Giving the job to Tosh would be a very positive step forward," said striker John Hartson in his News of the World column. "He would prove an excellent choice."
 | TOSHACK FACTFILE 1949: Born in Cardiff 1966: Joins Cardiff City 1970: Joins Liverpool, wins 3 league titles, 2 Uefa Cups and 1 FA Cup 1979: Takes Swansea from 4th to 1st division 1984: Moves to Sporting Lisbon 1985: 1st spell at Real Sociedad 1989: Goes to Real Madrid 1994: Back at Sociedad, takes part-time role with Wales but resigns after a game 1995: Moves to Deportivo 2000: Given St Etienne job after 2nd Real Madrid spell ends 2002: Third spell at Sociedad ends, takes job with Italian Serie B side Catania 2003: Leaves Catania 2004: Takes part-time role at Real Murcia until the end of the 2003/4 season |
After a brilliant playing career with Wales and Liverpool, Toshack, now 55, started his 24-year managerial career at Swansea, taking them from the old Division Four to the top flight. He also has experience of managing on the continent, including winning the 1990 Spanish league with Real Madrid.
He also enjoyed three spells as Real Sociedad boss and stints with Deportivo La Coruna, Besiktas, St Etienne, Catania and Real Betis.
But there are some at the Football Association of Wales who recall how he walked out on his country after just one game in control 10 years ago.
MMIX
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Giving the job to Tosh would be a very positive step forward 
Sparky's successor
