Wales players did not ‘beg’ boss to stay

SUNDERLAND boss Chris Coleman became ‘a massive part of Welsh history’ after leading the country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, says Chris Gunter.

But while the players wanted Coleman to stay on despite failing to qualify for next summer’s World Cup, Reading defender Gunter says stories that they were ‘begging him stay’ were exaggerated.

Coleman stepped down after six years in charge of the national side in November in order to take over at the Stadium of Light, with former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs replacing him.

And the Dragons have this week met up for the first time since Coleman’s departure as they prepare to compete against China, the Czech Republic, and Uruguay, in the China Cup.

Gunter was one of those who reportedly lobbied Coleman to stay, but he said: “It was made out that there was a group of players who were knocking his hotel door and begging him to stay.

“It wasn’t quite like that because players don’t really have an influence on what happens above.

“Certainly this group of players wouldn’t think just because we’ve done well in the past we deserve the right to make decisions like that.

“I know that’s been said in the past about this group of players, but it’s not the case.

“Everybody wanted the manager to stay and, as footballers, you buy into what’s happening at the time.

“We wanted the manager to stay, because he was a massive part of Welsh history and everybody loved playing under him.

“But in this case I think we were the last to know what was going on.”

Gunter is set to win his 86th cap today against China in Nanning, which will set a new Wales record for an outfield player – moving him ahead of former Newcastle United midfielder, and Coleman’s predecessor as national manager, Gary Speed.

“It would be quite special to me because of that, and who I would move above,” he said.

“Getting this far is not something that you think about when you are playing.

“But I’m absolutely honoured to get to that number and to say I’ve represented my country that many times.

“The journey along the way has given me some of the best days of my life.”