Coleman keeps a lid on rumours over future

CHRIS Coleman has shielded his squad from speculation over his future as Wales manager as they prepare to take on star-studded France in Paris, writes CHRIS WATHAN.

Coleman sees his current deal as national boss expire following the upcoming friendly games with France on Friday and Panama in Cardiff four days’ later.

Although tentative, informal talks between the 47-year-old and the FA of Wales have taken place, there are no guarantees of the former defender signing a new contract to lead the side through the next qualifying campaign.

But Coleman has made a point of not dragging his players into the uncertainty.

Several players have made it publicly clear they want Coleman to stay on, while senior stars – believed to have included Gareth Bale – spoke personally to the Euro 2016 hero in the hours after World Cup qualifying heartache against Ireland to outline their hope he remained.

But the topic has been deliberately off the agenda as Wales prepare to head to the Stade de France, with midfielder Andy King insisting: “We as players all want him to stay on – but it’s not something he has mentioned in this camp and he has not addressed the squad about the situation. He’s only talked to us as normal.

“We are just preparing for the game and that’s right. I think he knows what the group think of him, but it’s up to him and the FAW how they move forward.”

Coleman had initially stated the World Cup campaign would be his last in charge having spent six years in the national post.

How we dealt with World Cup woe: Page 35