‘No truth whatsoever’ in reports linking Chris Coleman to TNS job

Reports linking Chris Coleman to the vacant New Saints job have been dismissed by a close source to the former Wales national team manager.

A report from the Welsh sports website Dai Sport claimed that the 50-year-old is one of the 100 coaches and managers who have applied for the vacancy.

It added that though wages in the Cymru Premier are significantly smaller than his previous jobs, there was a desire of leading a Welsh club into the group stages of European football.

However links to the Park Hall vacancy have been mooted as wide of the mark with Coleman’s wife, former Sky Sports News presenter Charlotte Coleman issuing a strong response.

Charlotte Coleman’s reply to the story read: “You may want to fact check your story. No truth whatsoever.”

The Swansea-born defender has been out of work since leaving Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune. 

He had previously worked for Sunderland where he was unable to stop their relegation to League One. 

Since leaving China, he has been doing media work and was a guest on Monday Night Football last month.

Commenting on his plans for a return to management in November, Coleman said to Sgorio: “I’ve got no idea where it’s going to come from. I’ve still got plenty of fire in my belly because I love football, I love working with football players, I like building something. I’ve been doing it for 20 years or more.

“I’ve worked around the world in different countries, and I’m still interested in sampling something different and something new. I don’t know where I’m going to end up, I really don’t.

“I couldn’t say I’m definitely not going to do this or I’m definitely going to do that. I think what experience has taught me one thing is, you never ever know.”

With cold water now poured on the report linking Coleman to the role, the TNS hierarchy have a decision to make on who will succeed Scott Ruscoe.

Coleman’s link may have been fruitless, however, Mike Harris has been impressed with the list of applicants: “We’re very, very impressed with the list of applicants – we’ve had very strong interest from the UK and Europe,” said the TNS chairman to Dai Sport.

“We’ve had interest from managers, who’ve had international experience, ex-captains of national teams, and served under significant managers like Jose Mourinho.”

Any other interested parties have until tomorrow to apply before the club begins their interview process next week with the hope to have a manager in charge for the start of Phase Two.

Chris Seargeant meanwhile will continue to take charge of their remaining Phase One fixtures with Flint Town United and Caernarfon Town until a replacement is found.

(Featured Image: Jon Candy)