Mark Hughes speaks out on who he thinks is responsible for the Wales revolution

Mark Hughes will return to his homeland as one of the Premier League's most experienced managers

MARK HUGHES and his Welsh ‘tafia’ have been walking on air for the last few days as Stoke City prepare to face Swansea City in the Principality tomorrow night.

 

As a marauding striker and former manager of his country Hughes, along with his Potteries assistants Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki, have suffered some dark moments in the cause of their country.

But with qualification to next summer’s European Championship finals – the first time the Dragons have breathed fire in a major competition since the 1958 World Cup – Hughes confesses that he has an extra spring in his step as he looks to build on a victory last time out at Aston Villa.

There’s even the thought of one day being involved with Wales again but right now Stoke boss Hughes is happy to bask in the glory provided by manager Chris Coleman, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and company.

When talk inevitably comes around to Bale, Hughes can be excused a sigh of regret at the number of times another Wales icon, Ryan Giggs, failed to show – once missing 18 consecutive friendlies for his country in contrast to the Real Madrid forward who has often defied injury to turn up.

Hughes said: “From most people's point of view, every game he has played in Gareth Bale has had an impact. He has either scored or created a goal.

“When you look back at every game he had a positive influence and that should not be underestimated. He has got a committed group around him and when he has had a positive impact you can see how pleased he is, not only for himself, but for the others around him and that is really great to see.”

There is a tinge of envy that Hughes along with stellar Welsh talent like Giggs, Ian Rush, Neville Southall, Gary Speed and Kevin Ratcliffe have missed out playing on the big stage of an international tournament.

“There are so many Welsh teams over the years that have got so close and fallen at the last hurdle. I was involved as a player in a couple of  them and once as a manager with one in the European Championships,” he added.

 

Wales celebrated a historic qualification for Euro 2016

“It did get to the point where you thought it was never going to happen because we were always the fourth seed and up against some outstanding teams. We would have to try and win the group which realistically was never going to happen.

“I think circumstances certainly helped this time because we have got a group of players that are really together. We have always had good team spirit in Welsh teams and that has never been lacking. This time they have got a good group, who are playing at a good level and the format of the competition has helped them.

“The lads have been fantastic and, as I have said, Gareth Bale's influence on the team and the results has been absolutely outstanding. Credit to Chris (Coleman) for having a good group around him. 

“The next few years are going to be a very exciting time for Welsh football.

“I had the benefit of a good club career, but I never pulled the Welsh shirt on in a major championship. I never had that experience of tournament football, leading into a game and the whole bandwagon that surrounds a major championship. I never experienced that, but I am not the only Welshman to say that.

 

“They have got a good group now and hopefully Chris will re-sign and keep going with them for good few years.”

Hughes admits that his time as a rookie manager – Wales was his first job – was a rapid learning curve in which he went from “being absolutely useless” to a knowledgeable boss who moved onto Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR and now Stoke.

His passion for Wales could see him return one day.“I think at some point, given how long I have been a manager, I would like to have another go at international football. Whether or not that would be with Wales or not – I don't know.

“John Toshack did it twice so it has been done before so why not? But I am not looking to go into international management any time soon.”

Right now the focus is on propelling Stoke up the Premier League table after an inauspicious start to the season.

Hughes doesn’t have a problem coping with any pressure that comes his way.

He explained: “I have been a manager for probably 16 years, 11 years in the Premier League. It does get easier with experience, but everyone deals with pressure in different ways.

“I am fortunate in that I am able to go home and switch off. Other managers find that more difficult than I do, maybe. I am thankful that I  have the ability to do that. I can imagine if you start taking things home with you it will impact you family life.

“You may have fleeting moments when things come into your mind, but I am not dwelling on things or sitting in a darkened room flicking the light on and off.”