Hughes to stay on as Wales manager

Mark Hughes has broken his silence and insisted he will continue as Wales manager.

Mark Hughes has broken his silence and insisted he will continue as Wales manager.

It has taken a week to make the announcement following Wales' exit last Wednesday in the Euro 2004 play-off clash with Russia in Cardiff.

Speculation about his future increased when he failed to attend an FA of Wales international committee meeting last Friday.

Hughes has continually been linked with club jobs including Spurs, Southampton and Blackburn, as well as the number two role at Old Trafford, but today - in a BBC Wales interview - he confirmed he will lead his country into the 2006 World Cup campaign.

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He said: "My situation has not changed, I am still Welsh team manager. It was so disappointing last week, everyone just needed to go away and take stock, but now we must look forward not back.

"I never comment on speculation because that is often all it is. Now we will regroup, come again and give the Welsh public lots more to cheer about.

The former Manchester United star will travel to Frankfurt next week for the World Cup 2006 qualifying draw.