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Chris Coleman signs up to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune
Former Wales manager becomes first notable British boss but follows well-worn path from English Premier League
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Former Wales and Sunderland manager Chris Coleman was confirmed as Manuel Pellegrini’s replacement at Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune.
The Chilean left for West Ham United last month and to much surprise Coleman, who turned 48 on Sunday, has been named as his replacement on the club’s official Sina Weibo.
Twitter users responded to the news with a mixture of speculation about his wages, disbelief at his career path and cookie-based puns – Coleman has been known as “Cookie” since his playing days.
Coleman has also managed at English Premier League Fulham and Real Sociedad in Spain as well as spells Coventry City and AEL in Cyprus but it is Wales where he built his reputation.
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He spent five years in charge of the national side, including guiding Wales to the last four of Euro 2016, the country’s first major tournament since 1958.
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He quit late last year after narrowly missing out on qualifying this summer’s World Cup in Russia. Coleman’s most recent job was at Sunderland. He left the club this summer after failing to avoid relegation from the Championship during his six months in charge.
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