Toshack leaves role as Wales manager

John Toshack left his role as Wales manager following their losing start to UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying.

Toshack's side were beaten 1-0 in Montenegro in Group G on Friday, but he had initially indicated that he wished to remain in charge for the games at home to Bulgaria on 8 October and in Switzerland four days later. But after a meeting with Football Association of Wales (FAW) officials it was mutually decided that the 61-year-old should bring his second spell as national coach to an end with immediate effect. No successor has been announced.

"Now the decision has been made I really hope that Wales can get some positive results in the next two games because I believe the group is still wide open," Toshack said. FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford added that the body greatly appreciated Toshack's work in developing "a young and dynamic squad. Everyone at the FAW is convinced the side has a bright future thanks to the foundations laid by John".

A striker with Liverpool FC in the 1970s, forming a prolific partnership with Kevin Keegan, Toshack first became a player-manager in 1978 with Swansea City AFC, leading them from England's fourth tier to the top division. He has vast experience at club level in Portugal, Turkey, France and Spain, where he coached Real Madrid CF to the 1989/90 league title.

Toshack took the Wales job from Mark Hughes in November 2004, winning 22 and losing 24 of his 53 games in charge; following a 41-day reign in 1994, stepping down after a solitary 3-1 defeat by Norway.