The Football Association of Wales are today set to name Chris Coleman as Gary Speed's successor. The former Fulham boss emerged as the favourite in the Next Wales Manager Odds last week and will now be tasked with leading Wales to World Cup 2014. Coleman beat off competition from the likes of John Hartson and Raymond Verheijen.
Coleman, who won 32 caps for Wales, began his managerial career at Fulham, before spells at Real Sociedad, Coventry City and most recently Greek side Larissa who he left last week following a dispute over finances. It is yet known what the new set-up will look like but the 41-year-old is expected to work alongside the current coaching staff - Raymond Verheijen and Osian Roberts.
Wales will be eager to continue the form they showed under Speed towards the end of Euro 2012 qualification where they won four of their last five matches. Coleman's first match in charge will be a memorial match for Gary Speed who tragically died last November. The game will be held at Cardiff City Stadium against Cost Rica on February 29th. Wales will then turn their attention to qualification to World Cup 2014, which begins in September. The Dragons have been placed in a difficult looking Group A, which includes Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, FYR Macedonia and rivals Scotland. It is integral that they get off to a good start, unlike in qualification for Euro 2008 where they simply left it too late.
