Monday, 14 June
BBC One Wales, 10.55pm
Following Welsh football has always been a rollercoaster ride, especially over the last three decades. In that time, Wales have had ten different managers in charge (including two caretaker managers) and have played on through periods of turbulence to come out the other end into a new era of international triumph.
In the final episode of Elis James: Football Nation, the comedian investigates the dramatic changes on and off the pitch since the mid-nineties including controversial managerial appointments, playoff heartache and an investment in youth that would pay dividends in the long run.
After a mere 47 days (and one game) in charge of Wales in 1994, John Toshack’s first stint as manager came to an abrupt end, ushering in one of the most unpredictable periods in Welsh football history with the appointment of Bobby Gould. His reign would be marred by a series of controversial events including challenging John Hartson to a wrestling match, training and getting locked in an Usk prison and, most embarrassing of all, taking charge of a Wales team that lost to Leyton Orient (a team in the fourth tier of the football league).
As a new century began, raised amibitions and a greater sense of professionalism saw Mark Hughes’ Welsh squad come close to qualifying for Euro 2004, only to lose out in a playoff against Russia. When Hughes left, Toshack returned, more than a decade after his first short-lived time in the managerial hotseat. Following a slew of international retirements from his established stars, the new manager looked towards building a team for the future by developing young talent.
Building on the groundwork laid by Toshack, former captain Gary Speed transformed Wales and created a dramatic turnaround of fortunes. But it was cut short by his tragic death in 2011. His childhood friend and former roommate Chris Coleman took over and despite a rocky start during a period of healing, he would eventually put his own stamp on the Wales team and lead them to qualification of their first major tournament in decades – Euro 2016.
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