Bale: We want Chris to stay

GARETH BALE has thrown his full backing behind shattered Wales boss Chris Coleman.

Bale led a five-strong lobby of senior players to see Coleman at the team hotel on Monday night to plead with the 47year-old to stay in charge after a 1-0 defeat to Republic of Ireland ended their World Cup playoff dream.

Coleman will let the dust settle on their World Cup exit before deciding whether to quit.

But Real Madrid superstar Bale said: “What he has done for the team and Welsh football has been amazing.

“Of course we want him to stay. He couldn’t have taken on the job at a more difficult time and what we’ve collectively achieved since then has been amazing.

“We don’t want to keep on looking back at the Euros, but for everyone it was incredible to be a part of that and we all want that again.

“It won’t be easy but Chris is the man who can keep us focussed and positive and show us how to get the results we need.”

Coleman, who has been in charge for five-and-a-half years, led his side to the semifinals of the Euros last summer.

His contract runs out at the end of the current campaign and he admitted after the game he will have to think about whether to carry on.

Chris Gunter said everyone in the country is praying Coleman won’t walk away.

The Reading defender said: “This manager is fantastic and I hope he and the Football Association of Wales can get his future sorted quickly.

“But I think everyone in Wales – fans and players – would want to see him stay on and carry on being the greatest Welsh manager of all time.”

Coleman’s assistant Osian Roberts said: “Chris is his own man and he’ll eventually decide what is right for him and I’m sure for Welsh football.

“There is no question that he is the best manager in Welsh history and nobody wants that to end.

“All I know is he’s passionate about managing Wales.

“He will either continue to do that 100% or move in another direction. We will wait to see if he feels if he can take this team further.” – Agencies