WEST BROMWICH ALBION manager Tony Pulis has dismissed suggestions that he is a leading candidate to replace Chris Coleman as Wales head coach.
Despite guiding Wales on a stunning run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, Coleman is considering his future with the national team after they failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup thanks to Monday night’s 1-0 defeat to Ireland in Cardiff.
Pulis is reportedly a top target should the 47-year-old decide to leave his post, but the Baggies boss insists he has no interest in leaving The Hawthorns.
“I’m quite happy where I am and I think it’s wrong we’re even talking about someone who’s still in a job,” Welsh native Pulis said at a news conference ahead of Monday’s Premier League match against Leicester.
“Chris has done a fantastic job there and he’ll be very disappointed at the moment, as the nation are. Time is a great healer, we’ll see what Chris does in the next couple of months.”
However, the pragmatic former Stoke boss would not rule out moving into international management down the line: “Who knows what’s going to happen in the future? Let’s just get through the Leicester game first.”
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, who missed his country’s defeat to Martin O’Neill’ side due to injury, is keen for Coleman to remain in charge.
“Of course we want him to stay,” Bale said. “What he has done for the team and Welsh football has been amazing. We don’t want to keep on looking back at the Euros, but for everyone it was incredible to be a part of that and we all want that again.
“It won’t be easy but Chris is the man who can keep us focused and positive and show us how to get the results we need.”
Non runner everyone knows he’s waiting for the anfield gig
Step backwards.
Wales have played some seriously attractive and eye catching football – even in the first half against Ireland.
They need to build on that.
Pulis is excellent for what he does. But not building on this.