10 replies to this topic

[jaybee1978]

Chris Coleman has been unveiled as the new Wales manager to replace the late Gary Speed.

The Football Association of Wales confirmed Coleman's appointment at a Cardiff news conference on Thursday.

Coleman said it was one of the proudest moments of his career but also a difficult situation.

"We're still all shocked by what happened [with Gary Speed] and we're still grieving," said Coleman.

"And the only way we can put smiles on fans' faces again is to continue to win matches but I don't think we'll ever get over the loss of Gary.

"I've already spoken with the FAW members... and I said 'excuse me if I don't seem that excited, I am excited, I'm just a little bit subdued because of the circumstances'.

"It won't be easy but I'm looking forward to it. I think for any manager who was going to come in it was going to be difficult because of the situation and it's more difficult for me with my relationship with Gary.

"...It's not going to be easy, but it's something I'm prepared for.

"On one hand it is the proudest moment of my career but on the other hand, with the circumstances I was very close friends with Gary for 30 years.

"It is the most difficult press conference I am ever likely to do."

The FAW's chief executive Jonathan Ford admitted it had been a difficult time since Speed's death in November 2011.

"We have explored every avenue, every scenario possible," said Ford.

"We have taken on board the thoughts and views of the backroom staff, the players and the supporters.

Chris ColemanContinue reading the main story Born 10 June 1970 in Swansea Won 32 caps for Wales Played for Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham Managed Fulham, Real Sociedad, Coventry City and Larissa "All along we believe that we have been respectful and dignified and had no wish to be involved in a public debate on the appointment of Gary's successor.

"Gary was the manager of Welsh football and of course we want to continue his legacy.

"He was not a figurehead, he was the manager and that is why we have decided on the appointment of Chris Coleman to build on the excellent foundations put in place by Gary."

Former Wales international and Manchester City manager Mark Hughes added: "I think he'll [Chris] do a great job and respect the legacy Gary left behind."

Former Fulham boss Coleman was contacted by the FAW last week after resigning as manager of Larissa because of financial problems at the Greek club.

John Hartson, another former Wales international, was the only other candidate to publicly announce his interest, while Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush had been suggested as possible "figureheads".

Coleman joined Larissa in May 2011 as he attempted to resurrect his managerial career after a year out of the game.

His last job in England was with Coventry City, but he was sacked in 2010 after a difficult two and a half years in charge.

Before joining the Sky Blues, a promising start as manager of Real Sociedad ended in resignation following internal upheaval at the Spanish club.

Injuries suffered in a car accident cut short Coleman's playing career at the age of 32. His last match was a brief appearance as a substitute in a 1-0 win against Germany to win his 32nd Wales cap.

But his managerial career began less than a year later when he was appointed by Fulham following Jean Tigana's dismissal.

He spent four years in charge at Craven Cottage, leading the club to their then highest Premier League finish of ninth, before being sacked in 2007.

Taken from BBC sport

[Charlie Bhoy]

Think the man could do well.. Strikes me he will be a better international manager than club manager..

[johnarob]

Charlie Bhoy, on 19 January 2012 - 03:41 PM, said:

Think the man could do well.. Strikes me he will be a better international manager than club manager..

not so sure charlie...he has always struck me as no more than average....and a little more than full of himself at times

[Psychoheart]

Good luck to him. Except against us.

[black dog]

johnarob, on 19 January 2012 - 04:26 PM, said:

not so sure charlie...he has always struck me as no more than average....and a little more than full of himself at times

He'd have been better sticking to making they sauce mixes....Particularly enjoy the sausage casserole wan.

[craig]

I cant remember where I seen him discuss the job, maybe it was on Sky Sports, but he looked very awkward about the whole situation, because of his close relationship to Gary Speed. I think that he will love being in the job after it sinks in, but it seemed like he was very reluctant.

Good luck to him(apart from the WC Qualifiers, as Krys says).

[Charlie Bhoy]

johnarob, on 19 January 2012 - 04:26 PM, said:

not so sure charlie...he has always struck me as no more than average....and a little more than full of himself at times

Can see were yer commin from john.. But if he gets good decent pros he can work with eg bellamy, Bale, i think it could bring the best out in the guy..

[jaybee1978]

They are certainly a team on the up with the likes of Bale, Ramsey, Allen and Matthews.

[Charlie Bhoy]

jaybee1978, on 19 January 2012 - 08:12 PM, said:

They are certainly a team on the up with the likes of Bale, Ramsey, Allen and Matthews.

Ahem...... Ledley.....

[?apester]

Charlie Bhoy, on 19 January 2012 - 08:16 PM, said:

Ahem...... Ledley.....

Never heard of Ahem but Ledleys alright ......i suppose .

[Charlie Bhoy]

?apester, on 19 January 2012 - 08:20 PM, said:

Never heard of Ahem but Ledleys alright ......i suppose .

Usual del responce that...