CARLING NATIONS CUP
The Football Association of Ireland has announced that it has secured a television deal with Sky Sports to show all six Carling Nations Cup matches in February and May 2011 in Ireland and the UK. All of the matches will be shown on Sky Sports in 3D, a first for three of the participating teams and the first time Sky Sports will cover a whole international tournament in 3D.

The agreement will also include simultaneous live broadcast of the Welsh matches in the Welsh language on S4C.

The opening matches of the Carling Nations Cup will take place in Aviva Stadium on February 8 (Republic of Ireland v Wales) and February 9 (Northern Ireland v Scotland). The final dates of the May matches of the Carling Nations Cup have also been revised under a new schedule agreed between the four competing Associations and the broadcast partners as follows:

Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland Tue, May 24 2011 Aviva Stadium KO 7.45pm.

Scotland v Wales Wed, May 25 2011 Aviva Stadium KO 7.45pm.

Wales v Northern Ireland Fri, May 27 2011 Aviva Stadium KO 7.45pm.

Republic of Ireland v Scotland Sun, May 29 2011 Aviva Stadium KO 6.30pm.

Welcoming the announcement, Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports said:

“Live 3D coverage of the Carling Nations Cup further strengthens our portfolio of international football that already includes crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers for the home nations and the Republic of Ireland. We’re also delighted that the tournament provides us with another first; as we pioneer international football in 3D for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Aviva Stadium will provide the perfect backdrop for what should be some fantastic matches.”

NB: Alongside 3D coverage all conventional Sky Sports channels will also be showing the competition.
 

updated: Sat, 18 December, 2010 10:12 UK.

FLYNN TO CONTINUE?
FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford says he expects Brian Flynn to continue in his role of bringing youth through the Wales ranks.

"Brian is of course disappointed and gutted not to be appointed the national team manager, That said Brian is an existing employee of the Association, he is the manager of the intermediate squads and ultimately I'm sure Brian will be looking to take those guys forward as he's been doing in the past." - said Ford. - [SOURCE BBC.CO.UK].

updated: Tue, 14 December, 2010 14:58 UK.

NEW MANAGER
The FAW have confirmed the appointment of Gary Speed as the new Wales National Team Manager. "It's something that's very difficult to turn down when your country comes calling, I am a very proud man at this moment to be asked to be manager of Wales." - said Speed.

Gary Speed becomes the eleventh manager of the Wales International football team.

Gary played eighty-five times for Wales – a record for an outfield player. In addition, he captained the side on forty-four occasions.  In an illustrious league career, he made 677 club Appearances, scoring 103 goals, either as a midfielder or defender.

Born in Mancot, Flintshire on 8th September 1969, he started his career with Leeds United in 1988, making his debut as a 19 year old. In 1992 he helped them win the First Division Championship and he was to make almost 250 league appearances for the Elland Road club. He also appeared in the 1996 League Cup Final.

In 1996 he joined Everton for a fee of £3.5m. His next move was to Newcastle United in 1998 for £5.5m He appeared in the club’s two FA Cup Final defeats in 1998 and 1999, as well as playing Champion’s League football.

His fourth club was Bolton Wanderers, who he joined in 2004 for a fee of £750,000. During his time at the club, he notched his 500th Premiership appearance. He was to go-on to make a then record 535 Premiership appearances. In 2007, he became First Team Coach at Bolton Wanderers for a short while, before reverting to a player-only role.

His final move was to Sheffield United in 2008, initially on loan. After making the decision to finish his playing career at 41, he concentrated on coaching at the club and was then promoted to manager early in the 2010-2011 season. He was awarded the MBE in 2010 in recognition of his services to Football. - statement from faw.org.uk.

Speed has yet to appoint an assistant or a backroom team.

updated: Tue, 14 December, 2010 14:10 UK.

EBAY ITEMS
Official Nottingham Forest Auction 2010.

All proceeds gained from this auction will go towards the Nottingham Forest 2010/11 Toy appeal.

Click on the link (on the right) to bid for items such as Ramsey and Gunter's signed boots as well as a Robert Earnshaw signed shirt!

posted: Tue, 7 December, 2010 19:32 UK.

FRIENDLY MATCHES
In view of the icy and freezing temperatures that the whole country is experiencing this week, the two Under 16 matches against France this week have been moved. They match will be played at the University of Glamorgan 3G playing facility at Treforest. - info from faw.org.uk
 


Revised fixtures: 
Tuesday 7th December: Wales v France: kick off 4pm 
Thursday 9th December: Wales v France kick off 4pm.
 
Both matches are free to supporters to attend.

updated: Mon, 6 December, 2010 20:40 UK.

VICTORY SHIELD
Results:
Northern Ireland 1 Wales 0.

Scotland 1 Wales 1.

Wales 4 England 0.

updated: Mon, 22 November, 2010 19:48 UK.