Wales boss Chris Coleman has agreed to take charge of Championship strugglers Sunderland.
The Black Cats have turned to 47-year-old after failing with efforts to land Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill, and after backing away from talks with Ally McCoist and Barnsley’s Paul Heckingbottom.
Coleman’s contract with the Welsh FA was due to expire this month, which means Sunderland will not be liable for any compensation.
Wales confirmed the move and said in a statement: “We are extremely disappointed to see Chris’ tenure as Wales manager come to an end.
“We wish Chris the very best of luck for the future as he returns to club management, a desire for which he has always been honest and open about.”
#DiolchChris https://t.co/0BW2VzPtbg
— Wales (@FAWales) November 17, 2017
The move means a return to club management for Coleman, who has been on charge of Wales since 2012 – following Gary Speed’s untimely death.
Coleman does have a number of years of club management with Fulham and Coventry, whilst also abroad with Spanish outfit Real Sociedad and Greek side Larissa.
Now I understand Coleman who was on around £200,000-a-year with Wales, will quadruple his wages with Sunderland – who he will be tasked with keeping them in the Championship.
Coleman is expected to take charge on Monday, which means caretaker Robbie Stockdale will remain in charge for this weekend’s clash with Millwall.
Bookmakers across the board have closed their markets on Coleman landing the job.