‘So much of success down to Coleman’
From Page 56
camp, with Wales scheduled to play in the two-game China Cup in March.
The FAW are believed to want to name a new manager in good time for those games, with a January appointment looking likely ahead of the draw for the Nations League. Craig Bellamy, Tony Pulis and Ryan Giggs have all led the betting since the news of Coleman’s resignation was confirmed. Williams says he does not expect to be canvassed for the players’ perspective on such a vital appointment, but – given the recent strength of togetherness in the set-up – suggested it may be something the FAW could consider.
“It’s natural we’ve kept an eye on it and we’ve seen the same names everyone else has,” added the 76-cap Williams. “It’s not something we’ve spoken to the FAW about. I’d be happy to give an opinion on behalf of the players if it was asked for, though it’s not something that tends to happen.
“Managers do come and go – it’s part of football and it’s not our place to make the decision or say who should or shouldn’t get the job. That’s something we accept and respect.
“But if they decided they wanted to gauge the opinion of the squad, then I’d be more than happy to take a call and, given how close the squad is and how important keeping that togetherness will be, I think it could be a good thing.”
Williams admitted that many in the camp are still coming to terms with the departure of the manager who helped steer the team into history as they qualified for a major finals for the first time in 58 years before going on to reach the semifinals of Euro 2016.
There had been doubts over Coleman himself when he was selected to replace the late Gary Speed in early 2012, and Williams added: “I know he’s been praised but even then I’m not sure he gets as much credit as he deserves for what he did with this side. As a player, I’ve never been involved in a team where the success was so much down to the manager.
“With all that we went through with Gary Speed and then the poor start, how he dealt with that and then managed to put his own spin on things was brilliant.