Sam Wants Speed To Go Into Management

By Mark Heys
December 12 2006

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce has urged midfielder Gary Speed to stay in the game as a coach once he decides to retire from playing.

The former Welsh international made his 500th Premiership appearance in the win over West Ham United last weekend and Allardyce says that it is important for old professionals like Speed to stay involved in the game in some capacity.

"It is very important that the top players like Gary stay in the game.

"We need to build the next breed of British managers and I hope he carries on in coaching. Gary is experienced and loves the game. I would encourage him to learn all he can."

Shortly upon arriving at Bolton in 2004, Speed was lined up to become the next coach of Wales following the departure of coach Mark Hughes to Blackburn Rovers but he politely declined the offer due to his club commitments.

He has already got a part time coaching role with the Wrexham youth academy and a journey into football management does seem the next likely option for the former Leeds, Everton and Newcastle favourite.