<p><br /> New Wales boss Gary Speed admitted the opportunity to manage his country was too good to turn down after being unveiled as John Toshack's successor.<br /> </p><p><br /> The 41-year-old was given permission by Sheffield United to speak to the Football Association of Wales on Monday after they identified him as their preferred candidate.<br /> </p><p><br /> "It's something that's very difficult to turn down when your country comes calling. I'm a very proud man at this moment to be asked to be the manager of Wales," Speed said after being presented to the media at a press conference at the Vale of Glamorgan hotel.<br /> </p><p><br /> On his departure from Bramall Lane, he said: "These things happen in football, where the timing's not always great.<br /> </p><p><br /> "I was disappointed to leave Sheffield United because I feel I had a job to do there and was fully committed but obviously when your country comes calling it's a tough decision you have to make. I feel in my heart it's the right one.<br /> </p><p><br /> "To be fair to them they've been fantastic throughout and made the decision really easy for me.<br /> </p><p><br /> "I'd like to thank Sheffield United for the opportunity I've been given there both as a coach under Kevin Blackwell and then as a manager."<br /> </p>
