Toshack began his career with spells at Swansea City and Bristol City without making an appearance for either side. In February 1991, he joined Cardiff City and made three appearances as a substitute before being handed his first start in a defeat to Wrexham. In 1991, at the age of 21, Toshack was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, meaning the physical demands of professional sport became increasingly challenging. At the end of the 1991–92 season, Toshack was released by the club having made five league appearances. He instead moved into non-League football with Weymouth, scoring the winning goal on his debut on 19 December 1992 during a 2–1 win against Halesowen Town. He made another six appearances for the club, scoring one more goal during a 3–0 victory over Bridport in the Dorset Senior Cup.
Coaching
Toshack has gained a reputation for developing teams who play with an attractive, attacking style based on the Swansea City core principle of possession football. Despite limited resources he was able to make Swansea City's U23s highly competitive, gaining three Premier League medals in four years while helping to shape the careers of young players such as Daniel James now of Manchester United F.C., Oli McBurnie of Sheffield United F.C. and Swansea City's Wales international centre-back Joe Rodon. His methods and organisation had an immediate impact on a multicultural squad at Pafos FC, picking up 16 of the 18 points on offer. Before the arrival of Toshack, the club averaged 0.9 points-per-game in league season 2019/20 but this doubled to 1.8 points following his arrival. Notable victories included a 2–0 win over APOEL FC, the Cypriot First Division leaders and champions of the last seven seasons.
On 15 October 2013, Toshack took up a coaching position at Swansea City. While Michael Laudrup was first team manager, Toshack took the reins of the academy role, following the departure of Tony Pennock and finished with silverware as they were crowned FAW U19 champions.
Swansea City U23s
Toshack's success led to him working with the under-23 Development squad, ultimately guiding them to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title in 2017. In the same season, the U23 side competed in the 2016–17 Premier League International Cup, reaching the semi-finals before being beaten 0–1 by eventual cup winners Porto. The U23s then won the Premier League Cup in May 2017. The performances prompted further recognition for Toshack when in December 2017, he was appointed assistant to Swansea City first team caretaker manager Leon BrittonLeon Britton following the club's decision to release manager Paul Clement. In May 2018, Toshack led the Swansea City Under 23s to a second successive Premier League Cup final. They lost to Aston Villa on penalties after a goalless draw. Under Toshack's stewardship of the Under 23 squad, several players made the transition to the main squad including Oli McBurnie, Joe Rodon, Dan James, Connor Roberts, Jay Fulton andGeorge Byers.
Wydad Casablanca
Reunited with his father, Toshack gained notable experience coaching on the African continent overseeing Wydad AC's progression to the semi finals of the CAF Champions League in 2016.
Swansea City
Toshack made history becoming the first Swansea City coach to graduate from the Premier League's Elite Coach Apprenticeship Scheme. The intensive two-year development course saw him support caretaker manager Leon Britton and later first team boss Carlos Carvalhal
Pafos FC
When Toshack joined Pafos FC, the club had only achieved three wins in 13 games and was battling for survival in the Cypriot First Division with initially only 14 fit players at his disposal. The club has a diverse mix of players with 22 different nationalities represented. Toshack utilised three separate systems of play to prompt a revival. In February 2020, Toshack won the Cypriot First Division's Manager of the Month award.
Managerial statistics
Qualifications
Toshack holds a UEFA Pro License and has also gained UEFA A License, UEFA B License, UEFA C License plus UEFA A Youth License. He attended the University of Wales where he gained a BSc Psychology degree. Toshack made history becoming the first Swansea City coach to graduate from the Premier League's Elite Coach Apprenticeship Scheme.
