IF a lack of communication from the FAW as pertains to Chris Coleman’s future is understandable, their inability to promote themselves remains a mystery.

You may not even know that Wales are playing at the weekend, entertaining Finland at the Cardiff City stadium on Saturday afternoon as Newport County switch to Friday evening.

One shudders to think at what sort of a crowd are going to turn out based on recent friendlies and even the addition of Gareth Bale is unlikely to make too much of a difference.

Ultimately though, the FAW are getting the level of interest they deserve. It’s the price you pay for running a closed shop.

Let’s compare and contrast shall we, Wales and Wales, the football and the egg, the rugby boys absolutely putting the Football Association to shame.

The best way to promote is through the media, be it in newspapers such as this one, on the television, the radio, or on the internet.

The WRU know this. That’s why they had a press event yesterday, have one today, one on Thursday and one on Friday.

Want to talk to a certain player? No problem. Need stuff throughout the week to raise interest levels for a game that isn’t a sell-out? All part and parcel.

Here is the FAW schedule for the media this week, by means of comparison.

Monday, nothing.

Tuesday, nothing.

Wednesday, nothing.

Thursday, players’ press conference. The usual drill being we talk to around three or four players, determined entirely by who is willing to speak. It’s completely voluntary on the players’ part and by way of example, I think Bale has been available twice, ever, since his debut as a 16-year old.

Friday, coach and captain media conference at 4.30pm followed by a 15-minute photo opportunity at 5pm.

So you’ve got a maximum of two days’ media coverage for Wales v Finland this week.

So when the crowd is embarrassing, don’t blame the Press.