Chris Coleman
Sport award 2016 winner
Chris Coleman became manager of the Wales football team following the tragic death of Gary Speed in 2011. He has been chosen as a Finalist for the St David Award for Sport because of his role in leading the Wales football team to the 2016 European Championship. This is the first time that the team has reached the finals of a major championship since 1958.
Before becoming a football club manager, Chris was a professional football player who played for Wales 32 times. He played for Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham.
He began his managerial career at Fulham, before joining Real Sociedad in Spain. He has also managed Coventry City and Larissa in Greece before becoming Wales manager in 2012.
Coleman has been commended for his ability to boost the Wales team’s morale during a difficult time following the death of Gary Speed. He embraced his predecessor’s role and set out to finish off what Speed had started. His unquestionable passion to succeed is apparent when engaging with fans and players alike.