Wales players want Chris Coleman to remain in charge despite World Cup heartbreak

Wales' dejected players urged Chris Coleman to stay in charge after their World Cup dream ended in Cardiff last night.

The manager, in charge since 2012, has said this qualification campaign would be his last and there remains a very real possibility Wales will soon be looking for a new manager.

In the aftermath of the defeat by the Republic of Ireland, Coleman insisted he was not the priority.

Asked about his own future, the former Fulham boss said: “I’m genuinely not thinking about it. There’s a dressing room full of devastated players and staff.”

Coleman steered Wales to Euro 2016 — their first finals since the 1958 World Cup — but he was unable to repeat the feat this time even though they had gone into the match with their fate in their own hands.

A win would have guaranteed a play-off spot and despite falling short, Coleman’s players were unequivocal in backing their boss.

“This obviously hurts because we have put so much effort into this campaign,” said defender Chris Gunter.

“But this manager is fantastic and I hope he and the Football Association of Wales can get his future sorted quickly. We can build on this campaign.

“It’s the end of this one now, but it’s not the end full stop. There are a lot of young players coming through. There is always another campaign around the corner and I’m sure there will be other nights like this.

“Hopefully the result will be different.”

Coleman’s contract expires at the end of the 2018 World Cup.

But now his team will not be competing in that tournament, the 47‑year-old’s immediate future is unclear.

“Chris hasn’t said anything about his future in the changing room. He came in afterwards and shook everyone’s hands and congratulated them on a good campaign,” said striker Sam Vokes.

“The gaffer has been great for us and I’ve loved every second of working with him.

“We’ll come in for the next camp ready to go again and we’ll see what happens.”

Vokes insists Wales’ future is bright despite their setback.

“The young boys who have come in to train with us will play a big role in the next few campaigns,” he added.