Chris Coleman to leave Wales job and take Sunderland post
Chris Coleman is set to quit his job as Wales coach to take on the manager’s post at Championship outfit Sunderland numerous reports claimed on Friday.
Chris Coleman will see out the remaining fortnight of his contract as Wales coach before leaving to take on the manager’s post at Championship outfit Sunderland numerous outlets reported on Friday evening.
Coleman's contract with Wales due to expire
Coleman, who led a Gareth Bale-inspired Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, will be given the task of trying to guide Sunderland off the bottom of the table and ultimately back to the Premier League. His future with Wales was in doubt from the moment they failed to qualify for 2018 World Cup Russia.
Sunderland sacked Simon Grayson at the end of October and a number of candidates are believed to have distanced themselves from the job at the Stadium of Light. Sources at the club have told the Press Association that Coleman is the only man to have been offered the job despite speculation that Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill turned down the opportunity.
Coleman will take over a club hampered by financial constraints and in grave danger of suffering relegation for the second consecutive season. But it appears the lure of a return to club management after five years away proved strong for the 47-year-old former Fulham and Real Sociedad boss. He took on the Wales job in January 2012 following the tragic death of Gary Speed and built a team around Real Madrid winger Bale that shocked Europe's elite nations to reach the last four at Euro 2016 in France.