Wales

Joe Ledley hoping for long Chris Coleman stay

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 22 March 2016

Wales midfielder Joe Ledley hopes that Chris Coleman stays in charge of the national team "for many years to come" amid uncertainty over his future.

Wales midfielder Joe Ledley has said that he hopes Chris Coleman remains the national team's manager for a long time.

The 45-year-old has steered Wales to a first major international tournament since the 1958 World Cup, but his future remains up in the air with talks over a new deal having stalled.

Coleman's current contract expires after Euro 2016 and a number of clubs have been linked with a move for the former Fulham boss, which does not surprise Ledley.

"He's going to be linked with clubs because what he's done for Wales and this nation is remarkable," Ledley told reporters.

"He's a fantastic manager and [Coleman being linked with jobs] doesn't surprise me. But we want to keep him with Wales because this is the start of something new. I'm sure something will be sorted out sooner than later and the main thing is that he's here.

"We want him to be here for many years to come after what he's done for us and the whole nation. He's focused on this training camp and the build-up for the Euros. Hopefully he'll continue for many years to come, especially with good kids coming through."

Wales take on Northern Ireland on Thursday before an away game against Ukraine on Monday.