WHEN a once-in-a-generation talent comes along, the last thing anyone wants to consider is what happens after they are gone.
Wales had great players before – from John Charles and John Toshack to Ian Rush and Ryan Giggs.
But in Gareth Bale, they had more than that. They had a wonderkid, a game-changer, a Galactico and eventually a man who could raise a Welsh army to march on a World Cup for the first time in 64 years.
The past few days have highlighted just how difficult Wales are finding life without him.
Beaten shockingly at home by Armenia last Friday, they then lost to group favourites Turkey to make their chances of a third consecutive Euro finals a long shot.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STONES: START ME UP
City ace out to prove point to Pep
COLE AS A CUCUMBER
Noni: Sky's limit for laid-back pal Palmer
7 AND HELL
Agony as Alisson sits out key run of games
ROOT MASTER
Ton-derful Joe tops charts as England's greatest ever
PRIZE GUY
Coach of year Peters sets sights on OT
...AND IN THE WED CORNER
Jack aims to be lord of rings
TURNER PRIZE
Hayley on plum Ces ride
SIT IS TECH'S FAULT
Posture problems
RACCOONS INVASION!
A WOMAN was left terrified when 100 angry raccoons tried to invade her home looking for food.
ALASTAIR: WIFE'S CARING FOR ME
NEWSMAN Alastair Stewart has opened up about his \"demeaning\" battle with dementia.
