Wales reject Hull approach for Coleman

London (AFP) – Hull’s attempt to hire Chris Coleman as their new manager was scuppered on Tuesday when the Football Association of Wales rejected an approach from the Premier League club.

Coleman has emerged as Hull’s top choice to replace Steve Bruce, who surprisingly quit the KC Stadium last month despite leading the Tigers to promotion from the Championship last season.

Wales boss Coleman bolstered his reputation by masterminding his country’s surprise run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

But Hull will have to look elsewhere for a new manager after the Welsh FA confirmed they wouldn’t let Coleman leave prior to the start of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

“The Football Association of Wales can confirm that it has received an official approach from Hull City FC for the services of manager Chris Coleman,” said a statement on the official FAW website.

“Following discussions amongst leading figures within the association the approach has been rejected.”

Hull have also been linked with former Watford and West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked by Qatari club Al-Arabi in June.

Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan is currently in caretaker charge, with the Tigers’ squad having headed to Austria on Tuesday for pre-season friendlies against Caykur Rizespor and Torino.

Hull start their Premier League campaign at home to champions Leicester on August 13.

Former Fulham and Coventry boss Coleman guided Wales to their first major tournament for 58 years when qualifying for Euro 2016.

The 46-year-old signed a new two-year contract in May ahead of the European Championship and then oversaw Wales’ best ever performance at a major tournament.

The FAW stressed that they are determined to keep Coleman, saying: “Everybody at the FAW are fully focused on the forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.”

Wales start their World Cup campaign against Moldova in Cardiff on September 5.