Gary Speed has admitted he would like to become a manager after Sheffield United refused him the possibility of becoming Swansea City's new boss.The 40-year-old is first team coach at Brammall Lane and the Blades rejected two approaches from Swansea for Speed to be Paulo Sousa's successor.
"Since I became a coach I have made no secret about eventually becoming a manager," said the ex-Wales captain.
"But I will have to wait for the opportunity to come along."
Speed, who was interviewed by the Swans last summer to replace Roberto Martinez before losing out to Sousa, was wanted by Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins this summer after Sousa succeeded Nigel Pearson at Leicester City.
But United, who view Speed as the ultimate long-term successor should current boss Kevin Blackwelll leave, blocked Swansea's request as Blackwell "loath" to lose the 40-year-old former Premier League star.
Swansea eventually appointed former Watford and Reading boss Brendan Rogers in the Liberty Stadium hotseat and a source close to Speed said that he was "disappointed" to be refused permission to talk to the Swans.
I'm learning a lot but I'm away from the firing line as the manager takes all the shots, the buck stops with him and just sitting back getting some great experience
Former Wales captain Gary Speed
Speed, who won an outfield record 85 caps for Wales, is third in the Premier League appearance record list behind David James and Ryan as the midfielder played for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers.
Speed, who has gained his Uefa pro licence coaching qualification, told BBC TWO Wales' Sport Wales show that he was pragmatic about not being allowed to speak to Swansea.
"I was flattered to be linked with the Swansea job," said Speed, talking about the Swans job for the first time.
"But the club made a stance, they didn't want me to talk and the manager stressed to me he didn't want me to go.
"That's football and that happens sometimes and I have to go with it."
Speed officially retired from playing from football in June after signing a one-year deal to stay on the backroom staff at United.
Asked if he would like the Swans job one day, Speed replied: "I don't know, it is not for me to say.
"The opportunity might not come around again so I will just concentrate of coaching here and doing my best for Sheffield United.
"I'm 40 now and although its old in my terms, it is still young in managerial terms.
"I've got plenty of time to make the make transition and make the next step, I am learning a lot being a first team coach as I deal with everyday things on and off the pitch.
"I'm learning a lot but I'm away from the firing line as the manager takes all the shots, the buck stops with him and just sitting back getting some great experience.
"Kevin has been a manager for a long time and I'm learning all of the time and if I learn more here, the more I will be better prepared and be a better manager."
Speed, though, will be in south Wales on Sunday as his United take on Swansea's rivals Cardiff in their Championship opener at the Cardiff City Stadium.
* Catch the full Gary Speed interview on Sport Wales' football special on BBC TWO Wales on Friday at 1900 BST
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport