Harrison - Giggs can't do both

September 7, 2010
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from SkySports.com
Former Manchester United coach Eric Harrison has claimed that Ryan Giggs would need to call time on his playing career if he wants to take the Wales job.
 
Wales are thought to be on the lookout for a new manager as current boss John Toshack prepares to leave the role, with several famous Welsh names in the running for the vacancy.
 
There is an indication that Toshack will stay in his role for their Euro 2012 qualifiers against Switzerland and Bulgaria, but will leave his post afterwards.
 
Giggs, who won 64 caps for the Dragons, has been predictably touted, and is understood to be the Football Assocation of Wales' first choice.
 
But the 36-year-old is still very much a part of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team plans, despite the player's admission that he would consider the role.
 
Harrison linked up with Mark Hughes when he took the Welsh job in 1999 as his playing career was winding down.
 
However the man who guided Giggs through the ranks at Old Trafford to go on to become the most decorated player in English football history, insisted Giggs would not be able to balance playing and managing.
 
"It is not a cushy little number and it is not a part-time post," he told the Manchester Evening News.
 
"You are at the sharp end of things and these days I don't believe you could combine playing for a club at United's level and managing an international team.
 
"When I was with Mark we'd be jetting off all over the place watching future opponents. Then you would be going up and down the country checking on your players.
 
"You couldn't be playing for United at the weekend and be wondering and worrying about how the Welsh players are doing.
 
"If the vacancy does come up and Ryan is approached then he has a massive decision to make."
  • Related keywords: Ryan Giggs, Eric Harrison, Manchester United, Wales