Coleman to carry on as Wales manager
Monday, May 23, 2016
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"I want to build on the success that we've had," said Chris Coleman, confirming that his contract as Wales manager had been extended until the end of 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign.
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Chris Coleman will oversee Wales' 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign having agreed a contract extension ahead of the UEFA EURO 2016 finals in France.
"I want to build on the success that we've had," explained Coleman at a press conference in Cardiff. "What we've done is in the past now – it's what we do in the future that's important. This is the time that we push on, break boundaries, and we're capable of that."
Capped 32 times by Wales between 1992 and 2002, Coleman took charge of his country in January 2012, succeeding the late Gary Speed, and has steered the Dragons to their first major final tournament since the 1958 World Cup.
"I'm delighted to come to an agreement," added the Swansea-born coach. "It's an opportunity to build on what we've achieved so far. It's a big challenge, but one I'm sure we can conquer. I'm honoured that I'll be manager of Wales for two more years. It was very important that everything came to a conclusion before we embark on the next challenge in front of us. It was important that there was no uncertainty before we went to France, and now there isn't."
"We need to keep improving things and pushing each other," added Coleman, who will turn 46 on 10 June, the day before Wales's opening UEFA EURO 2016 game – against Slovakia in Bordeaux. "The [Football Association of Wales] showed that they really want me, and that was important, and I wanted to stay. I'm very happy to be sitting here knowing that I have another campaign to look forward to."
