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Coleman stays on in 'best job in the world'

Chris Coleman wants to address "unfinished business" with Wales in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying after signing a two-year contract extension ahead of Saturday's friendly with Finland.

Chris Coleman was appointed in January last year
Chris Coleman was appointed in January last year ©Getty Images

Chris Coleman will oversee Wales' UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying campaign after signing a two-year contract extension ahead of Saturday's home friendly against Finland.

Coleman, who was capped 32 times by Wales between 1992 and 2002, took charge of the national team in January 2012 and was charged by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) with continuing the positive legacy left by the late Gary Speed. Wales finished fifth in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A, but concluded their campaign with a 1-0 win against the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and a 1-1 draw at section winners Belgium.

"I have always stated that this is the best job in the world as far as I am concerned," said Coleman. "There has been a lot of speculation about me over the past couple of weeks but this was the one job I wanted. I feel that we have unfinished business. There were issues I wanted to discuss with the FAW, likewise the FAW with myself and those have now been resolved. I am excited about leading my country into the European Championship qualifiers."

The former Fulham FC manager, 43, now has the responsibility of ensuring that a talented generation of players that includes Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF and in-form Arsenal FC midfielder Aaron Ramsey, have the opportunity to showcase their talents at a major tournament. There will be 24 nations competing at UEFA EURO 2016 in France.

"Chris now has the opportunity to take Wales forward in the European Championships in 2016 in France," said FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford. "This provides us with a period of stability and Chris can build upon his strategy with the present squad. I look forward to working with him over the next couple of years as we all try and achieve our goal of qualifying for a major finals."

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