Sunday Mirror: Football: Don't forget kids, pleads Nicholas

FORMER Wales hatchet man Peter Nicholas has spotlighted the FAW's gamble on reaching Portugal, declaring: "You're playing Russian Roulette with our future!"

Until last spring Nicholas, who won 73 caps for his country between 1979-92, ran Wales' successful U-17 set up.

But the Newport County boss is concerned at the imbalance in FAW funding for Mark Hughes' senior squad.

In addition to the five-star treatment enjoyed over Sparky's four- year reign, his men are in line for a pounds 2m-plus windfall. Around pounds 1.6m would go to Gary Speed, Ryan Giggs & Co in bonuses. Hughes could get pounds 600,000 on top of his pounds 250,000 salary.

Nicholas said: "I understand the argument that any country's sport should be led by its seniors. I would also say the FAW got it right with Hughes's contract.

"But I just don't think a correct financial balance has been achieved."

Under Nicholas Wales U-17's reached the UEFA youth finals in Spain last March - after brushing aside Norway (2-0), Bosnia (3-0) and hosts Luxemburg (2-0) in the qualification section five months previously.

Wales legend Ian Rush has now replaced Nicholas - his charges are currently in Turkey for a UEFA tournament. They'll be striving for glory. But an impeccable source near the FAW international committee is convinced neither they nor their U-19 counterparts have had the best of preparation over the past months. The source said: "The ideal campaign would be 10 international matches and five squad get- togethers. But there just isn't enough cash for this to happen.

"It costs pounds 15,000 to bring 20 to 25 lads together in a hotel for two to three days. But these periods are vital for strategy and team bonding.

"The Wales U-19s have had a handful of internationals since the early summer and one squad get-together - and that's not nearly enough. The budget for the U-17s and the U-19s was between pounds 70,000-pounds 80,000 each last season - that's a small commitment for proper development."

The FAW are due to meet on November 21. They will consider overall funding just two days after Wales' second play-off leg against Russia.

By then the Dragons' destiny will be clear. But Nicholas warned: "The FAW must start showing greater vision, because the future lies with our kids."