Speed looks to management role

Mar 30 2008 by Chris Wathan, Wales On Sunday

GARY SPEED will take his first steps into management at the end of the season.

But the 38-year-old has also been told he can carry on playing with Sheffield United at the same time.

Speed, touted as a future Wales boss, signed for the Blades in January on the understanding he would take up player-coach duties under then manager Bryan Robson.

Robson’s Bramall Lane exit put doubts on that move – but now replacement Kevin Blackwell has promised Speed he will be part of his dug-out team in the new campaign.

“I see a role for Gary on and off the field,” Blackwell said, after calls to trim the wage bill at the Championship side had threatened Speed’s future in Yorkshire. “I’m looking to change the coaching department around and I’ll need some help with the first team. I can’t do both jobs.

“And I think Gary can be useful to us. I’m always happy to impart my knowledge to other people and he’s a deep thinker.”