Chris Coleman (footballer)
![]() Coleman as manager of Wales in 2015 | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Christopher Patrick Coleman[1] | ||
Date of birth | [2] | 10 June 1970||
Place of birth | Swansea, Wales | ||
Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[2] | ||
Position(s) | Defender | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Wales (manager) | ||
Youth career | |||
–1986 | Manchester City | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1986–1987 | Manchester City | 0 | (0) |
1987–1991 | Swansea City | 160 | (2) |
1991–1995 | Crystal Palace | 154 | (13) |
1995–1997 | Blackburn Rovers | 28 | (0) |
1997–2002 | Fulham | 136 | (8) |
Total | 478 | (23) | |
International career | |||
1992–2002 | Wales | 32 | (4) |
Managerial career | |||
2003–2007 | Fulham | ||
2007–2008 | Real Sociedad | ||
2008–2010 | Coventry City | ||
2011–2012 | Larissa | ||
2012– | Wales | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Christopher Patrick "Chris" Coleman (born 10 June 1970) is a Welsh professional football manager and former player who is the current manager of the Wales national team.
As a player, Coleman usually played in defence, while also occasionally appearing as a forward. He won 32 caps playing for Wales. Coleman's playing career ended at the age of 32, when his leg was broken in a car crash. Following this, Coleman started his coaching career.
In his first full season as manager of Fulham, Coleman guided the club to a respectable ninth-place finish in the 2003–04 Premier League. After leaving Fulham, Coleman was appointed manager of Real Sociedad. However, he resigned in January 2008, citing differences with the incoming president. In February 2008, he returned to England to manage Coventry City, but was dismissed in May 2010 following a disastrous run of results. Coleman then managed Greek side Larissa for the first half of the 2011–12 season before resigning due to financial troubles at the club.
In June 2010, Coleman worked as a commentator for ITV at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.[3] He has also worked as a commentator and pundit for Sky Sports.
Personal life
Coleman was born in Swansea[2] to a family of two sisters. He started school at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School and then went to Bishop Vaughan RC School.[citation needed] As a child, he grew up a keen supporter of Liverpool – his favourite player being Emlyn Hughes. The first professional team he was contracted to was Manchester City, aged 16, although he later left them, citing homesickness as the major reason.[4] He then joined Swansea.[5]
He is married to Sky Sports News presenter Charlotte Jackson. They had a son at the end of 2014.[6][7] He is divorced from Belinda Coleman with whom he has four children.[8] His oldest son Sonny is a football agent.[9]
Club career
Swansea City
Coleman made his first professional appearance for his hometown club Swansea City aged 17, in the autumn of 1987, soon after joining them from Manchester City. He made nearly 200 appearances for the south Wales club and helped win the Welsh Cup in 1989 and 1991.[10][11]
Crystal Palace
After spending four years with Swansea, Coleman was signed by Crystal Palace in 1991 for a transfer fee set by a Football League tribunal at around £270,000, plus a percentage of any future sale. After making 143 appearances, scoring 16 goals in that period – a 1 in 9 record explained by the fact that manager Steve Coppell often used Coleman as a makeshift centre forward. Palace finished 10th in Coleman's first season at Selhurst Park, but they were relegated from the new FA Premier League in his second season (although they did reach the semi-finals of the League Cup). They won promotion as Division One champions at the first attempt, but went straight back down again despite reaching the semi-finals of both cups that season. Coleman was sold to Blackburn Rovers, the defending league champions, for £2.8million in December 1995. While at Palace, he was capped for Wales at senior level for the first time.
In 2005, Palace supporters voted Coleman into their Centenary XI.
Blackburn Rovers
Coleman joined Premier League champions Blackburn Rovers for a fee of £2.8 million. Blackburn did not retain the Premier League title they had won in 1995, and finished seventh, just missing out on a UEFA Cup place. Coleman made 28 league appearances over his season-and-a-half at the club, and when he found himself out of the starting line-up too often (not helped by a persistent Achilles injury), he took the gamble to further his career by dropping two divisions to join Fulham.
Fulham
Fulham, at the time in Division Two, were financed by wealthy businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed, and were able to spend a record transfer fee for the division and club, of over £2 million for Coleman in late 1997. He quickly became club captain, and led Fulham to promotion under manager Kevin Keegan in 1998–99 to the First Division.
He remained captain and a regular in the team under new manager Jean Tigana in the 2000–01 season as Fulham made a successful start to the campaign. However, Coleman's career was effectively ended midway through the season, after he broke his leg in a car crash, near Bletchingley in Surrey on 2 January 2001, just days before an FA Cup tie against Manchester United. He never recovered from this injury despite playing a reserve fixture in March 2002, a game that only served as an indication that he would never again play at the highest level of English football. He announcement his retirement as a player in October 2002, but stayed at the West London club as a member of the coaching staff.
International career
Coleman was capped by Wales at school, youth, under-21 and senior levels.[2][12]
Managerial career
Fulham
Coleman joined Fulham's coaching staff in October 2002 under Tigana.[13] He later succeeded the Frenchman as caretaker manager in April 2003, and steered Fulham away from relegation danger. He was named as Fulham's permanent manager in May 2003, beating the more experienced Klaus Toppmöller and George Burley to the post, and also became the youngest manager in the Premier League.[14]
His first full season in charge saw Fulham finish a surprise ninth place, as many pundits tipped them to struggle and for Coleman to be sacked.[15] Many of Fulham's key players, such as Edwin van der Sar, Louis Saha, Steed Malbranque and Luis Boa Morte, were sold in the following years and Fulham did not repeat their earlier successes under Coleman though he kept them clear of relegation. He was sacked on 10 April 2007, after Fulham went on a seven-game winless run.[16]
Real Sociedad
Coleman moved abroad to manage recently relegated Segunda División side Real Sociedad on 28 June 2007, after being recommended to the club by fellow Welshman and former Real Sociedad manager John Toshack.[17] He was linked with Bolton Wanderers in October 2007[18] though nothing came of it. With the club in 5th place and having only lost once in its previous eleven games, Coleman resigned as manager on 16 January 2008, citing a divergence in vision for the club with newly elected President Iñaki Badiola.[19]
Coventry City
Coleman was appointed manager of Championship side Coventry City on 19 February 2008, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. He replaced Iain Dowie, who had been sacked by new owner Ray Ranson.[20]
On 26 August 2008, the BBC reported that Coleman was no longer interested in the international success of Wales.[21] He later denied the allegation, however, telling BBC Radio Wales' Sportstime programme, "I've got to get him [Eastwood] fit for Coventry first and foremost, that's my job. When he is fit, I'd drive him down the motorway myself if I had to for him to play for Wales. I've played for Wales myself and I preferred playing for my country than any club I've played for. I can promise you that I love Wales, I'm very patriotic and that will never change."[22] On 4 May 2010, Coleman was sacked following Coventry's 19th-place finish during the 2009–10 season,[23] their lowest league finish in more than 45 years.
Larissa
On 26 May 2011, Coleman was appointed as manager of Greek side Larissa.[24] In January 2012, Coleman announced that because of financial troubles at the club he would be quitting from his position as manager.[25]
Wales
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Chris_Coleman_2015_2.jpg/200px-Chris_Coleman_2015_2.jpg)
On 19 January 2012, Coleman was appointed team manager of the Wales national team, as successor to his late friend Gary Speed.[26] His first game in charge was a 2–0 defeat against Mexico in New York on 27 May, after he decided to let assistant manager Osain Roberts take control in the Gary Speed memorial match.
His next game in charge was on 15 August against Bosnia, Wales final match before the World Cup qualifiers started. The game ended in a 2–0 defeat for Wales and finished what was a very disappointing preparation period for Coleman and Wales. The first qualifier against Belgium on 7 September started well for Wales, with their defence holding firm for the first 25 minutes until disaster struck. Referee Stefen Johannesson sent off centre back James Collins for a late lunge on Guillaume Gillet in the 25th minute. This left the Welsh with a tough task, and they ended up losing the game 2–0. The next game was against Serbia 4 days later in Novi Sad which was without numerous of Wales' first choice players. Coleman's Wales lost 6–1 with Gareth Bale scoring their only goal in what was their heaviest defeat in 16 years. On 12 October Coleman picked up his first victory as Wales manager, beating Scotland 2–1 with Bale scoring twice and capping the victory off with a sensational strike in the 88th minute to win the game for Wales. Wales went back to losing ways in their next game however, losing 2–0 to Croatia on 16 October.
Wales started 2013 positively, beating Austria 2–1 on 6 February. On 22 March, Wales did the double over Scotland, beating them 2–1 at Hampden Park and moving into 3rd place in the qualifying group table. Four days later in a qualifier against Croatia, Wales led 1–0 for the majority of the game through a Gareth Bale penalty. Two late goals from Croatia however ended any hopes of qualification.
Career statistics
Player
Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Continental | Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
England | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | |||||||
1987–88 | Swansea City | Fourth Division | 30 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 0 |
1988–89 | Third Division | 43 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 53 | 0 | |
1989–90 | 46 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 54 | 2 | ||
1990–91 | 41 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 55 | 1 | ||
1991–92 | Crystal Palace | First Division | 18 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 4 |
1992–93 | Premier League | 38 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 7 | |
1993–94 | First Division | 46 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 3 | |
1994–95 | Premier League | 35 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 2 | |
1995–96 | First Division | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | |
1995–96 | Blackburn Rovers | Premier League | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 |
1996–97 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | ||
1997–98 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
1997–98 | Fulham | Second Division | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 1 |
1998–99 | 45 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 57 | 5 | ||
1999–2000 | First Division | 40 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 5 | |
2000–01 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | ||
2001–02 | FA Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Total | England & Wales | 478 | 23 | 36 | 3 | 48 | 4 | 15 | 0 | 576 | 30 | |
Career total | 478 | 23 | 36 | 3 | 48 | 4 | 15 | 0 | 576 | 30 |
Manager
- As of match played 6 September 2015.
Team | From | To | Record | Ref | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G | W | D | L | Win % | ||||
Fulham | 17 April 2003 | 10 April 2007 | 176 | 61 | 44 | 71 | 34.7 | [27] |
Real Sociedad | 28 June 2007 | 16 January 2008 | 21 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 38.1 | [1] |
Coventry City | 19 February 2008 | 4 May 2010 | 117 | 34 | 37 | 46 | 29.1 | [27] |
Larissa | 26 May 2011 | 9 January 2012 | ||||||
Wales | 19 January 2012 | Present | 26 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 38.5 | [27] |
Total | 340 | 113 | 94 | 133 | 33.2 |
Honours
Player
Swansea City
Crystal Palace
Fulham
Manager
Coventry City
- Football League Championship Manager of the Month: February 2009[28]
Individual
- Football League Third Division PFA Team of the Year: 1988–89, 1990–91
- Football League Second Division PFA Team of the Year: 1997–98, 1998–99
- Football League First Division PFA Team of the Year: 1999–2000, 2000–01
- Crystal Palace Player of the Year: 1994
References
- ^ a b "Coleman: Christopher Patrick Coleman: Matches: 2007–08". BDFutbol. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2001). The 2001–2002 Official PFA Footballers Factfile. London: AFS. p. 65. ISBN 9-780946-531349.
- ^ http://www.itv.com/presscentre/worldcup2010/week24/default.html
- ^ Daniel Taylor. "Coleman in frame for City job". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
- ^ "BBC SPORT - Football - Welsh - Coleman misses Vetch Field derbies". BBC News. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
- ^ Zoe Briggs. "Charlotte Jackson marries Chris Coleman - OK! Magazine". OK! Magazine. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
- ^ Ruth Mosalski (17 May 2015). "Wales manager Chris Coleman and Sky Sports presenter Charlotte Jackson tie the knot". WalesOnline. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
- ^ Kirsty McCormack. "Charlotte Jackson and fiance Chris Coleman welcome perfect baby boy - Celebrity News - Showbiz & TV - Daily Express". Daily Express. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
- ^ Rebecca Pocklington (23 December 2014). "Charlotte Jackson welcomes baby son with Wales football manager Chris Coleman: 'He's perfect!'". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
- ^ "Swansea City 5–0 Kidderminster Harriers". Welsh Football Data Archive. Retrieved 10 March 2010.
- ^ "Swansea City 2–0 Wrexham". Welsh Football Data Archive. Retrieved 10 March 2010.
- ^ Chris.html "Chris Coleman". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
{{cite web}}
: Check|url=
value (help) - ^ "Coleman retires". Fulham Official Website. 2 October 2002. Retrieved 10 April 2014.
- ^ "Coleman named Fulham boss". BBC Sport. 15 May 2003. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
- ^ "Coleman gets new deal". BBC Sport. 7 July 2004. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
- ^ "Coleman out as Sanchez takes over". BBC Sport. 10 April 2007. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
- ^ "Coleman named Real Sociedad boss". BBC Sport. 28 June 2007. Retrieved 28 June 2007.
- ^ Ogden, Mark (19 October 2007). "Bolton Wanderers eye Chris Coleman". London: The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
- ^ "Coleman resigns as Sociedad boss". BBC Sport. 16 January 2008. Retrieved 19 February 2008.
- ^ "Coleman unveiled as Coventry boss". BBC Sport. 19 February 2008. Retrieved 19 February 2008.
- ^ "Coleman 'not interested' in Wales". BBC Sport. 26 August 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2008.
- ^ "Coleman proud of Welsh background". BBC Sport. 3 September 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
- ^ "Chris Coleman sacked by Coventry City". BBC Sport. 4 May 2010. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
- ^ "Greek side Larissa appoint Chris Coleman as manager". BBC Sport. 26 May 2011.
- ^ "Chris Coleman to leave troubled Greece side Larissa". BBC Sport. 9 January 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- ^ "BBC Sport – Chris Coleman unveiled as Wales manager". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
- ^ a b c "Managers: Chris Coleman". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
- ^ "Winners Announced". Football League. 5 April 2009.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Chris Coleman at Soccerbase
- Chris Coleman management career statistics at Soccerbase
- 1970 births
- Living people
- Sportspeople from Swansea
- Welsh footballers
- Wales schools international footballers
- Wales youth international footballers
- Wales under-21 international footballers
- Wales international footballers
- Association football defenders
- Manchester City F.C. players
- Swansea City A.F.C. players
- Crystal Palace F.C. players
- Blackburn Rovers F.C. players
- Fulham F.C. players
- The Football League players
- Premier League players
- Welsh football managers
- Fulham F.C. managers
- Real Sociedad managers
- Coventry City F.C. managers
- AEL 1964 FC managers
- Wales national football team managers
- Premier League managers
- Segunda División managers
- The Football League managers
- Expatriate football managers in Spain
- Expatriate football managers in England
- British association football commentators