[Fm14] Wales: The Golden Generation?

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Tom Conwy has picked Costa Rica to face his Welsh team at home in March 2014. He mentioned that it would be useful to play a team from Central America rather than Europe and he would use it to assess some younger players making the step up from the U21 team. Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto is preparing for the World Cup and has been handed a tough group, facing hosts Brazil, France and Morocco.



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Tom Conwy has picked Lloyd Isgrove and Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson for his upcoming friendly matches with France and Ireland. There are returns for uncapped goalkeeper Karl Darlow and Neal Eardley. Despite his poor club form, Conwy has continued with his selection of Swansea fullback Ben Davies but there is no place in the squad for Craig Bellamy.

An injury time goal from Craig Davies was enough to earn a very commendable draw with France whose front three of Nasri, Ribery and Benzema were a constant menace to the Welsh defence. A fiercely hit volley from Jack Collison gave Wales an unlikely lead until Ribery equalised 10 minutes later with a lovely dinked finish over Boaz Myhill. A sentimental goal from veteran striker David Trezeguet put the French ahead but with France looking to kill the game, Wales counter attacked. Joe Allen’s lovely ball was met by Craig Davies, who muscled between two defenders to poke the ball home. Davies late winner was met with wild applause from the travelling Welsh fans who were in full voice for the entire 90 minutes.

Paul Dummett and Lloyd Isgrove both made their debuts for Wales.

Myhill
Gunter (Eardley ’87 )
Williams ©
Collins
Taylor (Dummett ’90 )
Ledley
Collison
Allen
Robson-Kanu (Isgrove ’62 )
Bale (King ’87 )
Vokes (Davies ’62 )

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Tom Conwy was in high spirits following his teams last gasp equaliser in Paris. In an interview with TalkSport he was asked about his team’s performance. “I thought we were great and showed a never-say-die attitude. Goals like Craig Davies’ give the fans something extra to cheer about, especially when they’ve come a long way from home.”

When asked about his midfield tactics, while he wouldn’t go into too much detail he said, “Playing three across the middle really works for us as that’s where we have the most depth. Ramsey was injured today so I put Jackie Collison in because I know he can do a job there. He likes to get forward like Ramsey and when he goes, the Joe’s (Allen and Ledley) can cover for him. We also have Andy King and Jonny Williams who can play there too and then we have Emyr Huws in the U21’s who’s doing very well.”

When asked if his next squad against Costa Rica would include Huws, Conwy said, “If he’s fit and playing well there’s no reason he can’t make that squad. We have young Harry (Wilson) and Lloydy (Isrgove) who have both been with the first team this week and in the past we’ve had Tom Lawrence. Huws isn’t the only player in the U21’s I’m looking at either, but for now the focus is on the Ireland game.”

Another last minute goal, this time from Hal Robson-Kanu, continued Conwy’s rich run of form with the Wales team. Sam Vokes put Wales ahead with his head, courtesy of Robson-Kanu’s assist midway through the first half. John O’Shea equalised and Neil Taylor saw a late strike cannon back off the crossbar before Robson-Kanu’s winner sealed the win for Wales. Karl Darlow made his first start for Wales but under FIFA ruling he will not be tied to Wales until he plays a competitive fixture.

Darlow (Hennessey ’45 )
Eardley
Williams © (Collins ‘83 )
Lynch
Davies (Bale ’83 )
Ramsey (Collison ’45 )
King
Allen
Robson-Kanu
Isgrove (Taylor ’45 )
Vokes (Church ’83 )

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Tom Conwy was delighted with his sides results during the international break. He singled Hal Robson-Kanu out for individual praise and said he hopes Reading could keep hold of him. With Southampton rumoured in signing the 24 year old winger, Conwy was sure that with his continued form for the national team, it wouldn’t be long until Premier League sides came calling. Reading are currently one place off the playoffs. Robson-Kanu has featured in every game since Conwy took over as Wales manager, and has scored 2 goals.

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Conwy was enthusiastic about his side’s progress since his arrival in July. Despite accruing losses against Serbia and Belgium, under Conwy, Wales’ results and performances have been on the rise. This has seen them climb the FIFA Rankings from 60th to 45th position. With friendlies lined up against Costa Rica as well as the draw for the European Championship in France 2016, Conwy will be kept busy with his national duty over the coming months.

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Meanwhile, Welsh fans picked their best eleven of Conwy’s tenure. Sam Vokes return of 6 goals in 7 games has delighted fans.

Despite having only appeared in two games for Wales, Danny Collins was preferred to his namesake, James, in the heart of the Welsh defence.

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Wales have been drawn in Group E for the European Championships. They will be in familiar company when they face Belgium, who they lost to both home and away in their World Cup qualifying group. Their other opponents include Bosnia & Herzegovina, who travel to Brazil for their first ever World Cup later this summer. With players like Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko at their disposal they will provide a stern test. The other teams in Group E will be Iceland and Luxmebourg.

Speaking to BBC Wales, Conwy said “You could definitely look at Belgium and Bosnia as the big games. We have to hope we can take full points from Iceland and Luxembourg, no disrespect to them. Last time we played Belgium we lost 1-0 but we were without Gareth (Bale) and Wayne (Hennessey). I know it’s all semantics but we have to be aiming for a high placed finish in that group. First might be a big ask but there’s no reason we can’t finish second.”

Wales will open their European Championship campaign at home to Luxembourg.

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Tom Conwy names a number of new faces in his squad to face Costa Rica this week. The much hyped Emyr Huws is in line to make his debut as is Cardiff’s Declan John. Lloyd Isgrove and Jake Cassidy are the other U21’s who are picked for the squad. Craig Bellamy is recalled in what could be his final appearance in a Welsh jersey, Conwy has left it up to the player but Bellamy is rumoured to be considering his international future. David Vaughan is called up by Conwy for the first time, having not appeared since Coleman’s last squad, while Celtic’s Adam Matthews returns after being left out of the last two squads.

Owain fon-Williams, the many times called up, never capped goalkeeper from Tranmere has been told by Conwy he will finally make his debut for Wales. Wayne Hennessey will miss the rest of the season with torn calf muscle. Gareth Bale was initially called up but has returned to Madrid after picking up a knock in training.

Alvaro Sabario struck twice as a disorganised Wales team were well beaten 2-0 by Costa Rica. Conwy’s youthful side looked out of sorts and bereft of ideas, ultimately losing the midfield battle.

fon-Williams (Myhill ’45 )
Matthews
Collins (Wiggins ’45 )
Williams ©
Davies
Allen
Huws (Ramsey ’87 )
Ledley (John ’87 )
Robson-Kanu
Isgrove (Bellamy ’87 )
Cassidy (Church ’45 )

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Tom Conwy accepted he made several glaring mistakes as Wales went down to a well-disciplined Costa Rica side yesterday.

“Put this one on me, I put on a few too many players who hadn’t played together before and it’s come back to bite us. I should have made some of substitutions earlier but that’s life, I still have a lot of faith in these players. We were very thin at the back and I'd promised Sam Allardyce I'd bring James Collins off at half time. I’ve had to bring on Wiggy (Rhoys Wiggins) and put Ben Davies at centre back and that’s not his natural position.”

When asked if Gareth Bale’s absence may have been a factor in his side's defeat, Conwy’s reply was firm. “No way, we have eleven guys out there on the pitch. Now Gareth’s a fantastic player, the best I’ve ever had the pleasure to manage, but don’t rely on him to win games. We are a team. A squad.”

He went on to say, “I thought we had enough out there to give Costa Rica a run for their money but I’ve been proven wrong. There’s nothing wrong with that at all though, we will come out stronger for it in the long run and players to Huws, Isgrove and Cassidy will all have a chance again in future, I’ve no doubt about that.”

Unlucky loss but this is a very well written story, great wins over Croatia and Scotland!

With nearly 150 days until his sides next match, Tom Conwy was able to talk to the fans of Welsh football, something he has done vocally since his arrival.

Talking to the online podcast, Podcast Pêldroed, Tom Conwy took part in a Twitter Q&A. Conwy fielded a number of questions about his goalkeepers by the panel and listeners. When asked about Wayne Hennessey’s injury he said, “It’s a great shame for Henners, he’s having a difficult time at Palace in the relegation zone and to add such a bad injury will really knock him for six. I’ve no doubt that when he’s fit next season, he’ll be back in Palace’s first team, whether they are in the Championship or the Premier League.”

Crystal Palace are currently languishing at the bottom of the Premier League and ten points from safety.

Of Boaz Myhill’s rumoured retirement from international football Conwy said, “I’m not sure where all is this is coming from, Bo has played more games than any of my keepers since I started. I definitely hope these rumours are untrue.”

Conwy was also asked what he thought of Owain fon-Williams’ surprising link to Liverpool. “It’s not my place to answer that, I’m afraid. Owain needs to do what’s best for his career. Will he be Liverpool’s number one? I doubt that, but he’s doing well at Tranmere, I know they are in the playoff positions and that’s no small part down to him. If he continues playing first team football but he has a place in the squad but a chance to join a team like Liverpool doesn’t come around often. It will be a tough decision for him to make.”

Tom Conwy has also included Nottingham Forest’s Karl Darlow and Dundee’s Kyle Letheren in previous Wales squads.

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Hull defender James Chester has elected to represent Wales at national level if picked by manager Tom Conwy. Chester, who qualifies via his mother’s Welsh heritage said, “After due consideration, I have made myself available for selection for Wales. My hope is that my club form will persuade Tom Conwy to pick me for his next squad.”

The FAW announced Chester’s eligibility at an arranged press conference in which they also announced they will host the USA national team before the European Championship qualifier with Luxembourg. A spokesman said, “We hope that the game with the USA will help Tom Conwy make a number of decisions on the squad before the game against Luxembourg,”

Tom Conwy, who was present at the press conference, told reporters, “It is fantastic news that James Chester has chosen Wales and if his club form warrants it, he will be considered for the games against the USA and Luxembourg.”

Chester, who came through the youth ranks at Manchester United, has not represented England at any level of youth football. Hull City are currently 12 points above the relegation zone and will be quietly confident they will be playing Premier League football next season.

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Looks like a good CB

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Wales manager Tom Conwy was present for S4C’s roundup of the football season. A number of Welsh internationals will be playing Championship football next season provided they stay at their current clubs. Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion were all relegated from the Premier League meaning Wayne Hennessey, Joe Ledley, Jon Williams, Lloyd Isgrove and Boaz Myhill will be in English football’s second tier next season.

When asked if it will affect his selection for Wales’ European Championship qualifiers, Conwy said, “Of course, you want your players to be playing in the best league in the world but so long as they are playing week-in, week-out, it’s not the end of the world.”

There will be small comfort for Conwy as Huddersfield Town will be in the Premier League next season, with Joel Lynch playing his part in their entertaining 5-2 playoff final victory over Ipswich.

Neither David Cotterill (Doncaster) and Neal Eardley (Birmingham) could help their teams ensure survival in the Championship as both teams were relegated to League One.

Wolves pair Sam Ricketts and David Edwards will be back in the Championship next season although neither have featured regularly for Conwy, meanwhile Craig Davies helped Preston return to the Championship scoring 11 goals while on loan from Bolton. Owain fon-Williams could not prevent Tranmere’s 2-1 defeat to Brentford in the playoff final.

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Wales manager Tom Conwy has agreed to punditry duties for the Welsh language channel S4C for the World Cup in Brazil this summer. S4C, which is only broadcast on Welsh televisions, has asked Conwy to be a part of their punditry team that includes former Welsh manager, John Toshack and international player, Iwan Roberts. While it does not have the license to show live games, S4C will provide a daily World Cup round-up for Welsh viewers in a new show called, Pêl-droed Rhyngwladol. Conwy, who has been a regular guest on S4C programs, is a fluent Welsh speaker.

When asked if he would be supporting England’s chances at the World Cup by a reporter from the BBC, Conwy responded, “I simply wish to see entertaining football, that is why we are all here, is it not?”

All pundits have been provided accommodation in Brazil for the remainder of the World Cup.

Tom Conwy was spotted at a number of games during this summer’s World Cup. He attended all games of his future opponents, Belgium and Bosnia-Herzegovina, allowing him a close eye on his future opponents in the European Championships.

Belgium finished top of their group, opening with a 2-2 draw against the USA followed by a feisty 1-0 win over rivals Holland, that saw Nigel de Jong harshly sent off. Belgium were lucky to escape with a point against Tunisia after a 2-2 draw, courtesy of a late goal from Christian Benteke.

Bosnia dominated their early group games, thrashing Australia and Ivory Coast 4-2 and 4-1 respectively before taking their foot off the pedal, finishing with a 1-2 defeat to Colombia in their final group game. Both teams had already qualified before kick-off.

Neither team managed to progress past the Second Round with Belgium losing out 0-1 to England, while Bosnia-Herzegovina lost out to Argentina.

When asked about Wales’ future opponents, Conwy remarked, “I think I previously said that Belgium would be the team to beat and maybe Bosnia would be the team we could take points from. From what I've seen so far I may have to change my opinion. Belgium didn’t impress me very much at all, I’m afraid. It was Bosnia’s attacking play that was very good. Miralem Pjanic is a fantastic player and I hope he’s having an off day when we come to play them later in the year.”

World Cup 2014 was won by hosts Brazil, after a 1-0 win over Argentina.

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A number of Welsh internationals have moved clubs for the 2014/15 season and all will hope they will still be in selection for Tom Conwy’s squad. Among the most high profile of these players were:

Full back Paul Dummett, who moved from Newcastle to Dundee United for around £800,000. Reading's Chris Gunter has completed a move to newly promoted Huddersfield Town and is said to be relishing another chance in the Premier League. The fullback's transfer fee is said to be at £1.6 million. Danny Gabbidon, still awaiting selection by Tom Conwy, moved from Crystal Palace to Scottish side St Mirren on a free transfer. Danny Collins has also moved to new pastures, joining Leicester from Nottingham Forest.

Andy King moved from Leicester to Championship rivals, West Brom, as they look to bounce straight back into the Premier League following their relegation. The fee for the former Leicester captain was reported to be £1.2 million.

Cardiff youngster, Declan John, who made his international debut against Costa Rica earlier this year, has moved on a season long loan to Ipswich Town. Goalkeeper Kyle Letheren has moved to Doncaster.

Tom Lawrence, Craig Bellamy and David Vaughan are still searching for new clubs, having been released by Manchester United, Cardiff City and Sunderland respectively. David Cotterill has also been released from Doncaster Rovers.