Coleman's contract not a done deal

27 September 2013 Last updated at 13:11


Chris Coleman: Wales manager's future could be decided by results

Chris Coleman's future as Wales manager could depend on results in the next two World Cup qualifiers, Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford has hinted.

The ex-Fulham boss's contract ends after the matches against Macedonia and Belgium in October.

Ford admitted that talks over a contract extension are still ongoing.

"Clearly he needs to ensure we have a good couple of matches and let's hope we have that," Ford said.

Wales are bottom of their qualifying group following defeats against Macedonia and Serbia in September.

Ford's statement appears to be a step back from his comments in August when he said: "Personally I think Chris is doing a fantastic job, let's hope he stays with it."


Talking to Radio Wales Sport on Thursday, Ford said: "Everybody knows that we have been in discussions. There are still two more qualification games to go. There's a friendly game to go - so let's see where it takes us.

"It would be inappropriate for me to go into the details of where we are on things."

Coleman is keen to continue as Wales boss and has been confident of getting a new deal, and FAW president Trefor Lloyd Hughes has already backed him to continue.

Coleman, who has also managed Real Sociedad and Coventry City, was appointed Wales boss in January 2012 on a two-and-a-half-year contract following the death of Gary Speed.

Wales lost their first four games under Coleman and have won just three of their 12 games in all. Their last win came in Scotland in March.

In the build-up to the game in Macedonia, Coleman joined up late with the Wales squad after losing his passport.

The Wales boss then caused controversy following the 3-0 defeat against Serbia in Cardiff on 10 September, when Coleman claimed defender James Collins had rejected the chance to join the squad ahead of the game.

But West Ham centre-back Collins, 30, said he had not been contacted by Coleman or the FAW to request he joined up with the squad.

Ford hopes the pair have patched up their differences.

"I'm assuming Chris and James have managed to get heads together. I hope they have," said Ford.

Ford claimed he had not talked "specifically" with the Wales manager about the row.

"Whilst there might have been a few cross words I'm sure they have made amends. I don't know the full details," added Ford.

"Chris was under an awful lot of pressure at the time. I haven't spoken to him specifically about that. I'm aware of the situation, I've had some words of course.

"There's no point me dragging up old stuff, the important thing is to look forward."

Belgium away is a no hoper but I am sure we will put up a brave fight on the night ....... Macedonia home should be a win but now and I hate saying this but I hope Wales lose so that Coleman can go !!!! Hopefully if he does then the FAW will recruit correctly and not employ the likes of Hartson or Rush as the next manager , personally I would get Dutch Ray back into the fold maybe along side a decent Welsh manager as the number 2 ??

Coleman wrong man for job - cant honestly recommend someone who would be good - martin o neil the exception

i bet if we beat macedonia like any team of our standard should be at home, then he'll get the deal.

i bet if we beat macedonia like any team of our standard should be at home, then he'll get the deal.

HAve to agree , for the good of the team , I wouldn't mind Wales losing the next couple of games(never thought I would say that) if it means Coleman leaves

Coco & HIs Comedy Teeth should just leave.