He ended Robbie Savage's Wales career, while seeing experienced stars like Ryan Giggs, Paul Jones and John Hartson retire from the international arena.

But Toshack saw a bright new future based around Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale, both of whom he promoted quickly from the under-21s.

His new deal was expected to see Toshack, then 59, stretch his stay in charge of the Welsh set-up to seven years, equalling the time both Jimmy Murphy – who took Wales to the 1958 World Cup finals in Sweden – and Mike England were in control of their country's fortunes.

But he left the job by mutual consent in September the following year after a run of poor results.

His position had been the subject of considerable speculation after Wales were beaten in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier by Montenegro.

Toshack oversaw 21 victories in 53 internationals.