THE Football Association of Wales confirmed today that manager Chris Coleman has signed a two year extension to his contract.

Coleman, who was appointed in January 2012, will be in charge for the forthcoming UEFA 2016 European Championship qualifying campaign.

At a press conference, held at lunchtime at the team hotel in Cardiff Bay, the chief executive of the FAW Jonathan Ford said: “The Football Association of Wales is delighted to announce that Chris Coleman has signed a new deal.

“Chris now has the opportunity to take Wales forward in the European Championships in 2016 in France.

“This provides us with a period of stability and Chris can build upon his strategy with the present squad.

“I look forward to working with him over the next couple of years as we all try and achieve our goal of qualifying for major finals.”

FAW President Trefor Lloyd Hughes welcomed the news, saying: “As an association Chris has our full backing and support. There were a few things we needed to discuss with Chris and like-wise Chris with ourselves.

“He has made a huge contribution during the past two years, inheriting the post at a very difficult time for everyone. He has been more than the National Manager in terms of the work he has done as an ambassador for football and Wales.”

Ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Finland at the Cardiff City Stadium (kick-off 6pm) Coleman himself was keen to build on the last two excellent results and performances against Macedonia and Belgium.

“I have always stated that this is the best job in the world as far as I am concerned.

“There has been a lot of speculation about me over the past couple of weeks but this was the one job I wanted. I feel that we have unfinished business. There were issues I wanted to discuss with the FAW, likewise the FAW with myself and those have now been resolved.

“I am excited about leading my country into the European Championship qualifiers. The work starts now with tomorrow’s game against Finland.

“There is the need for stability and now we can move on to the next qualifiers and hopefully end the year on a high with a win over Finland tomorrow.”