PETER Nicholas' row with the Football Association of Wales following his shock dismissal as manager of the Welsh Under-17 side took a new twist yesterday.

The FA of Wales insisted there was no malice behind the International Committee's decision not to renew Nicholas' 'contract.'

Mark Evans, Head of International Affairs at the FAW, told the Argus: "Peter Nicholas has full-time commitments as manager of Newport County and councillors felt he could not dedicate enough time to the Welsh Under-17s.

"Peter will obviously be with Newport on weekends while the under-17s have weekend training camps coming up next season and an eight-day UEFA European Championship qualifying tournament in Turkey in November.

"So, it was on that basis the International Committee decided not to offer Peter Nicholas a new contract."

Nicholas, though, is still obviously unhappy following unparalleled success for Welsh teams at youth level.

The Newport-born coach (pictured) is still livid that 'critical reports' of his handling of Wales' young stars were handed to International Committee members.

The allegations, which Nicholas firmly denies, centre on leaving his Welsh youngsters on their own at team hotels. But on both occasions Welsh FA officials were 'minding' the teenagers.

Nicholas, capped 73-times, is seeking an urgent meeting with the International Committee to clear his name. If that fails, Nicholas will apparently seek legal advice.

Evans, however, added: "Peter has done a good job and councillors were more than happy with him. "Peter has no need to clear his name, he's done nothing wrong.

"He got the results and was a success.

"But in view of his commitments to Newport County, the committee wanted a man in charge totally committed to Wales Under-17s."

Fellow Welsh legends Ian Rush and Kevin Ratcliffe have been linked with the under-17s job as has ex-Manchester United youth coach David Williams.

Meanwhile, former Newport County manager Tim Harris has been handed a coaching role at Nationwide Conference side Forest Green Rovers.

Forest Green boss Colin Addison was Harris' No 2 at County for two months early last season but Addison left for Rovers last September. Harris said: "I am excited about the challenge."