Coleman keen for 'passionate Welshman' to replace him as national team boss

Coleman, the 47-year-old who guided Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, is heading to Sky Bet Championship side Sunderland after failing to secure qualification for next summer's World Cup in Russia.

Former Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs, West Brom manager Tony Pulis, and ex-Wales captain Craig Bellamy are among the early contenders to take over from him.

And Coleman - breaking his silence for the first time since he agreed to join the Black Cats as he turned on the Christmas lights in Newport - believes his replacement should be Welsh.

"It needs to be a passionate Welshman for me," said Coleman when asked about the identity of his successor.

"He should work to fulfil what the whole nation is looking towards which is a good team with some good young players coming through. But obviously it is not my decision. That will be the powers that be."

Coleman was appointed Wales manager in extremely difficult circumstances in January 2012 following the death of his great friend Gary Speed.

The former Fulham and Real Sociedad boss struggled at first and Wales' 6-1 World Cup qualifying defeat in Serbia led to some fans calling for his dismissal.

But Coleman was to lead Wales to their first major tournament for 58 years before a last-four defeat against eventual winners Portugal in last summer's championships.

Sunderland parted company with Simon Grayson earlier this month - and despite their 2-2 draw against Millwall on Saturday - Coleman will inherit a side rooted to the foot of the table.

Coleman, yet to be formally unveiled by the Black Cats, will fly to the Wearside tomorrow ahead of his first match in charge at Aston Villa on Tuesday.

"We are all passionate Welshmen and women so a huge thank you for everything you have done for me and the team over the past six years," Coleman added as he addressed the crowd on Saturday evening. "You have been absolutely amazing."