THE Nathan Blake-Bobby Gould race row was described today as a "storm in a teacup" by the top official of the Welsh FA.

President Brian Fear insists Gould's job as national manager will not be on the line when the FAW management committee meet tonight to discuss allegations that he made racist remarks to the Wanderers' striker.

And Fear is hoping the former Coventry and Wimbledon boss will be handed a new contract up to the 2000 European Championships when his present deal expires in December.

The FAW's management committee meet at a hotel near Wrexham to discuss the charges faced by Gould, with the result due to be conveyed to tomorrow's meeting of the full FAW Council.

Blake, who earlier in his career left Chelsea amid similar accusations of racism, accused Gould of having made defamatory remarks about Dutch striker Pierre Van Hooijdonk following the home defeat by Holland in October.

And after refusing to sit on the bench for the recent World Cup clash with Belgium in Cardiff, Blake went public on more charges, revealing Gould had quipped, when handing out training-ground bibs, that he would "play for the blacks".

Gould has been hurt by the allegations. He has fiercely denied any racist intent and has admitted his choice of words had been unwise. The Welsh manager has also apologised to Blake for any upset caused.

Fear confirmed Gould had issued an apology and admitted: "We will just look into it now as a matter of course and hopefully it will be cleared up. But I think it's a storm in a tea-cup.

"I wouldn't say his job is on the line. He has apologised and as far as I am aware the apology has been accepted. But we will discuss it today and then we will go to the Council."

"I don't think they were serious comments at the time about Nathan Blake. His job is not in danger for his remarks."

However, there is believed to be disquiet among some councillors following Wales' disappointing results this season, although FAW Football Committee chairman Ken Tucker is known to be pro-Gould.

Now Fear has also thrown his cap into the ring and come out in support of Gould and hopes the Council will reward him with a new deal.

Fear said: "I just up his contract will be cleared up sooner rather than later. I would like to give him a further contract, but that will be up to the council.

"Two years in the job is not long enough. He should have another contract up to the European Championships."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.