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Chris Coleman adamant he choose right club in Sunderland ahead of first game in charge against Aston Villa: 'I am thrilled to be here'

Chris Coleman did not realise at the time, but just as he was settling into his seat to be unveiled as the new manager of Sunderland, Tony Pulis was being sacked at West Brom.

‘Oh, right,’ said Coleman, somewhat hesitantly, when he was informed moments later.

He hadn’t changed his mind about joining the Championship’s bottom club already, had he?

Chris Coleman's first match in charge of Sunderland is away at Aston Villa on Tuesday evening
Chris Coleman's first match in charge of Sunderland is away at Aston Villa on Tuesday evening

‘No, no,’ he replied with a smile.

But this was a pertinent point - why had Coleman, with his stock high following his success with Wales, not waited for a Premier League job?