FAW Set to Appoint Chris Coleman as Gary Speed’s Successor

Former Fulham manager Chris Coleman is expected to be formally announced as Wales manager on Thursday, according to the BBC.

The 41-year-old confirmed his desire to succeed Gary Speed, who died back in November, on Sky Sports' football coverage on Sunday and talks with the Football Association of Wales were held earlier in the week.

The FAW have arranged a media conference in Cardiff on Thursday, when Coleman is expected to be unveiled as his country's new manager.

At the weekend Coleman revealed his desire to manage his country, although he conceded he would rather the appointment had come under different circumstances given Speed's tragic suicide on 27 November 2011.

"Every manager wants one day to be in charge of his country and I'm no different," Coleman told Sky Sports 1 on Sunday.

"But ideally for me the opportunity wouldn't be here. It's only here because of one reason, and I wish it wasn't.

"But of course if I do get the position I'll be a very proud Welshman."

A host of high-profile figures had been linked with the post including Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs and Speed's assistant manager Raymond Verheijen, who publicly expressed his desire to succeed the aforementioned Welshman in December.

Verheijen and Wales coach Osian Roberts appeared to be the players' choice to continue the legacy left by Speed. Aaron Ramsey lent his support to Speed's backroom staff via his personal twitter page, intimating there should be "as little change as possible".

Coleman has not managed in England since his underwhelming two and a half year spell at Coventry City which ended in May 2011, and he recently left Greek side Larissa due to the club's financial troubles.

The former Swansea City defender played 32 times for Wales before a car accident ended his playing career prematurely.

The press conference, when Coleman is likely to be formally unveiled as the next manager of Wales, is at St David's Hotel in Cardiff Bay and has been scheduled for midday.