WELSH FA RULE OUT ENGLISH MANAGER

WELSH fo o t b a l l ’s governing body have ruled out the idea of an Englishman becoming the next Wales manager.

The Football Association of Wales hopes to appoint Chris Coleman’s successor before the draw for the new Uefa Nations League takes place i n Switzerland on January 24.

“We have always favoured Welsh people because arguably the passion i s there,” FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said.

“Welsh most definitely, f o r e i g n p o s s i b l y, b u t definitely not English.”

Coleman parted company with the FAW last month following Wales’ failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

His assistant Osian Roberts and former Wales strikers Craig Bellamy and John Hartson have all expressed their interest in taking over.

F o r m e r Wa l e s a n d Manchester United forward Ryan Giggs and Newportborn Tony Pulis — sacked as West Brom manager last month — have also been strongly linked with the post.

The l a s t s i x Wa l e s managers, including caretakers, have been Welsh, with Englishman Bobby Gould the last nonWelshman to hold the post between 1995 and 1999.

B u t w h e r e a s F o rd ’s comments disqualify any Englishman from being appointed, they would not prevent foreigners becoming candidates.