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Football

Hughes anxious to bow out with win


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Hughes urges the Welsh FA to find the right man to replace him as manager

CARDIFF, Wales -- Mark Hughes handles his final match as Wales manager after five years in charge on Wednesday pleading with his bosses to find the right successor.

Hughes, recently appointed coach at Blackburn, sends his team out to face Poland at the Millennium Stadium in a must-win match if the Welsh are to have any chance of making the World Cup finals in 2006.

Wales have taken just two points from their opening three Group Six qualifiers -- and Saturday's lacklustre 2-0 defeat against England saw more criticism.

Leading those attacks has been John Toshack, the favorite to take over, but a choice that would not be supported by many senior players.

They have been angered by the continual criticism from the man who walked away from the managers' job after just 44 days and one match 10 years ago.

"I haven't been asked for my opinion who I would have," said Hughes.

"But there may be a few individuals who I would not like to come in, but that's for my own counsel.

"I have not been aware of senior players wanting to quit. That is for players' own choice and I have not had conversations with anyone on such subjects.

"But I think the appointment is a very important one, obviously. I am sure that the FA of Wales will get it right. They got it right last time."

Former Wrexham and Swansea boss Brian Flynn has admitted he is on a shortlist of three, the others being Toshack and Ian Rush.

But there is rebellion in the air.

"Several players could consider retiring if Toshack got the job, he has done nothing but criticize us for five years," said one senior player.

"If the FA of Wales get this one wrong, the whole thing could go pear-shaped again."

Hughes has taken Wales from 115 in the world to 57 in his time in control, and failed in the play-offs to reach the Euro 2004 finals.

"I am proud of the work I have done, proud of the commitment and work of my staff and players," he said.

"I could not have asked any more of them and they have given me everything they have. We may have come up a little short but it has not been for want of trying.

"I would like to thank the Welsh public, the level of support and their continual backing has been fantastic."


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