Ex-Swansea, Fulham defender Coleman appointed as Wales manager

Chris Coleman has been appointed as the new manager of the Wales national team.

The 41-year old former Fulham, Real Sociedad, Coventry City and Larissa boss has stepped into the role tragically vacated by the death of Gary Speed in November.

Coleman is looking to work on the improvement Speed had made with the Dragons as they look to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"This is the proudest moment of my career, to be given the opportunity to lead my country, but I have been given that opportunity because of circumstances that nobody could have foreseen," he told Sky Sports News HD.

"It is bittersweet for me, of course it is. It's a difficult experience for me but I am very proud to be given the opportunity and very sad because of the situation we all find ourselves in.

"They (the Welsh team) have won four of their last five games and it's about the philosophy and the style of play. It has been refreshing and we've enjoyed it.

"Whoever was the next manager of Wales, it was also going to be difficult, and it's even more difficult for me because of my relationship with Gary. I am excited but I am a little bit subdued because of the circumstances.

"I know it's not going to be easy, it never is, but it's something I am prepared for and if I didn't think I could affect the situation, I wouldn't have taken the job."

 
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