Coleman quits as Wales manager, poised for Sunderland job

Chris Coleman has stepped down as Wales manager, the Football Association of Wales said Friday, and is set to take over at Championship side Sunderland. Coleman has agreed to lead Sunderland who were relegated to England's second tier from the Premier League this year, British media reported. "We are extremely disappointed to see Chris' tenure as Wales manager come to an end. The FAW and Wales as a nation will be eternally grateful for the job he has done over the last six years as national team manager," FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said in a statement.

OFFICIAL: Chris Coleman has resigned as manager of ???????@FAWales after almost six years in charge

Details: https://t.co/hEOSVhV75C pic.twitter.com/XMV5AHbpt3 — FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) November 17, 2017

"We wish Chris the very best of luck for the future as he returns to club management, a desire for which he has always been honest and open about." Sunderland have been without a manager since sacking Simon Grayson last month after one win in their opening 16 league matches left them bottom of the standings. Coleman, who became Wales manager in 2012, led his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, their first major tournament since 1958.

Understand Chris Coleman’s first match in charge will be against Aston Villa on Tuesday night.

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) November 17, 2017

However, he was unable to guide them to next year's World Cup as they missed out on qualification from Europe's Group D last month. The 47-year-old will return to domestic football having previously coached Fulham and Coventry City. He also had short spells abroad with Spanish club Real Sociedad and Greek side AEL.