Chris Coleman
Chris Coleman helped Wales reach the Euro 2016 semi-final Getty

Chris Coleman has resigned as Wales manager in order to take the vacant job at Championship side Sunderland.

The 47-year-old took charge of the national team in January 2012 and played a key role in helping Wales reach the semi-final of the 2016 European championship. However, he failed to help the Dragons qualify for the next summer's World Cup in Russia.

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Coleman's current deal with Wales was set to run down after the end of this month. The FAW were keen on handing a new deal to the former Fulham manager, according to the Mirror. However, he has turned down the offer and has stepped down from his current post as the national team manager. Wales national team coach Kit Symons has also left his position.

A statement on the FAW's official website read, "Regretfully, Chris Coleman has resigned from his position as Wales National Team Manager with immediate effect. Kit Symons has also resigned from his position as National Team Coach and the FAW would like to put on record its gratitude for his commitment to the Wales National Team."

The Football Association of Wales' chief executive Jonathan Ford expressed his disappointment following Coleman's exit,

"We are extremely disappointed to see Chris' tenure as Wales manager come to an end," Ford stressed.

"The FAW and Wales as a nation will be eternally grateful for the job he has done over the last six years as National Team Manager, from travelling the length and breadth of Wales outside of the media spotlight to talk to players and supporters, to guiding us to the semi-finals of the European Championships.

"We wish Chris the very best of luck for the future as he returns to club management, a desire for which he has always been honest and open about."

Coleman is set to take charge at Sunderland, according to the Guardian. The Black Cats are currently sitting at the bottom of the Championship table. They have sacked their manager Simon Grayson in October and the Welshman is expected to replace the former at the Stadium of Light.