Coleman Admits New Deal Was An Ordeal

Chris Coleman insists staying on as Wales manager was worth the pain of his tortuous negotiations.

The man who has led his country to their first major finals since the 1958 World Cup admitted talks with the Football Association of Wales had not been easy.

But Coleman and his employers – not renowned for their extravagance – have both conceded ground in reaching agreement on a new two-year deal that will see him stay as Wales manager through to the 2018 World Cup.

The 45-year-old’s previous contract was set to expire following the conclusion of this summer’s finals in France and he had been linked to vacancies at both Swansea City and Aston Villa.

He conceded: “I think both parties showed real meaning in trying to get the deal done. The FAW showed that they really wanted me and I showed them that I wanted to stay.

“It went on a bit longer than we anticipated. But we wanted to do the right thing and I’m happy to be sitting here knowing that I’m going to get another campaign under my belt.”

Coleman was appointed to the role in January 2012, replacing the late Gary Speed.

After failing to make the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the former Fulham and Real Sociedad boss, capped 32 times for his country, won six of his 10 European qualifiers, including an impressive 1-0 home victory over Belgium, as Wales clinched second place and automatic qualification to this summer’s showpiece.

He added: “I am delighted that we have reached an agreement and I have the honour of leading my country in another campaign.

“I look on it as an opportunity to improve on my first campaign which wasn’t a successful one. We have got it all to look forward to but we have to build on what we have achieved so far. It’s a big challenge but it’s one that we can conquer, that’s for sure.

“It was very important that everything came to a conclusion before we embark on this journey in front of us, and we can concentrate on what’s made us strong.

“It wasn’t a case of looking at what we’ve done. We need to keep on improving things and pushing each other before we even get to the players. Sometimes you’ve got to concede a little bit to get certain things you want.

FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said: “We wanted to acknowledge the fantastic work Chris has done with his staff in ensuring qualification to the Euros in France this summer.

“I think it sends a fantastic message to everyone involved, the players, backroom staff, all the staff at the FAW.

“There is no one better qualified than Chris to lead Wales into its first World Cup in 60 years.”

Wales begin their Euro 2016 Pool B campaign against Slovakia on June 11 in Bordeaux. They then face England in Lens on June 16 before tackling Russia in Toulouse four days later.