Toshack steps down as FYROM coach

John Toshack has stepped down as coach of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia by mutual consent following discussions with the new president of the Football Association of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FFM), Ilco Gjorgioski.

The 63-year-old was under contract until the end of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, but will make way for a new coach as FYROM prepare to meet Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland and Toshack's native Wales in Group A.

"It is a difficult group but I believe in the Macedonian team," said Toshack. "I will follow Macedonia's progress, I wish the youngsters good luck. They have shown they have talent and a good future. This is the way to go."

In eight games in charge – four of them friendlies – Toshack recorded just one victory, a 1-0 win against Andorra in a UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier. Former FYROM defender Goce Sedloski will act as caretaker for Wednesday's friendly against Lithuania in Skopje, after which Gjorgioski said "a new coach will be appointed immediately".