Chris Coleman signs new Wales deal taking him up to 2018 World Cup

By PA Sport

Wales manager Chris Coleman has signed a new two-year deal and will lead his country into the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign

Chris Coleman has said he was 'honoured' to sign a new two-year deal that will see him stay as Wales manager through to the 2018 World Cup.

Coleman was appointed to the role in January 2012, replacing the late Gary Speed, and has been rewarded with a new deal after leading his country to their first major finals since the 1958 World Cup.

The 45-year-old's previous contract was set to expire following the conclusion of this summer's finals in France. 

He told Sky Sports News HQ: "I am delighted that we have reached an agreement and I have the honour of leading my country in another campaign.

Image: Coleman shakes hands with Football Association Wales president David Griffiths (left) and FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford after Monday's announcement

"I look on it as an opportunity to improve on my first campaign [World Cup 2014 qualifying] which wasn't a successful one. We have got it all to look forward to but we have to build on what we have achieved so far. It's a big challenge but it's one that we can conquer, that's for sure."

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The former Fulham and Real Sociedad boss, capped 32 times for his country, won six of his 10 European Qualifiers, including an impressive 1-0 home victory over Belgium, as Wales clinched second place and automatic qualification to this summer's showpiece.  

Image: Wales players carry Coleman aloft after securing qualification to Euro 2016

Wales begin their Euro 2016 Pool B campaign against Slovakia on June 11 in Bordeaux. They then face England in Lens on June 16 before tackling Russia in Toulouse four days later.  

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Coleman said in March that there had to be changes behind the scenes in Welsh football for him to commit to another deal.

He revealed agreement had been reached over those issues, with both himself and the FAW giving ground.

"It was very important that everything came to a conclusion before we embark on this journey in front of us, and we can concentrate on what's made us strong," he said.

Wales unveil squad

Chris Coleman has unveiled his provisional 29-man squad for Euro 2016

"It wasn't a case of looking at what we've done. We need to keep on improving things and pushing each other before we even get to the players. Sometimes you've got to concede a little bit to get certain things you want.

"I think both parties showed real meaning in trying to get the deal done. The FAW showed that they really wanted me and I showed them that I wanted to stay.

"It went on a bit longer than we anticipated. But we wanted to do the right thing and I'm happy to be sitting here knowing that I'm going to get another campaign under my belt."

Image: Coleman celebrates after Wales qualified for Euro 2016

FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said: "We wanted to acknowledge the fantastic work Chris has done with his staff in ensuring qualification to the Euros in France this summer.

"I think it sends a fantastic message to everyone involved, the players, backroom staff, all the staff at the FAW.

"There is no one better qualified than Chris to lead Wales into its first World Cup in 60 years.

Coleman hopes he can lead Wales to a World Cup before the end of his contract

"We wish him the best for Euro 2016 and he carries all our hopes and expectations for the World Cup campaign as well."

Wales head to Portugal on Tuesday for a pre-Euro 2016 training camp without star man Gareth Bale, who is preparing for Real Madrid's Champions League final with Atletico Madrid in Milan on Saturday.

Image: Joe Ledley is still hoping to make the Euro 2016 squad

But midfielder Joe Ledley will join the squad as he attempts to recover in time for France after fracturing his leg in Crystal Palace's final Premier League game of the season.

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