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Coleman explains Hull snub

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Chris Coleman (Getty Images)
Chris Coleman (Getty Images)

Cape Town - Chris Coleman says he turned down the chance to coach Hull in the Premier League this season to try and secure Wales' participation at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 46-year-old former Fulham boss led Wales to a semi-final place at the European Championship this summer where they lost 2-0 to eventual champions Portugal.

It was a massive achievement for the Dragons, who were playing in their first major finals since 1958, as they saw off Belgium in the quarter-finals after emerging from a group containing England, Slovakia and Russia.

The Tigers turned to Hull after Steve Bruce's resignation but their approach was knocked back.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Wales' World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Monday, September 5 in Cardiff, he said:

"If I didn't have the same feeling that I had in the last campaign, or since I took the job, if I didn't have the same hunger and desire, I would have gone somewhere else.

"In my industry if somebody comes calling, especially in the Premier League, then of course you do get your head turned a little bit, but the overriding factor for me was trying to qualify again and trying to go to a major tournament.

"I've still got the hunger for that and the desire, almost a desperation to do it again, having witnessed the scenes in the summer.

"I'm desperate to make sure that we do it again or give it our best shot."

Coleman did admit, however, that he will return to club coaching after the tournament.

"This will be my last campaign - I said that after the tournament. One more is enough for me I think.

"But at the moment, sitting here, I want some more.

"I want some more campaign football and I want some more tournament football."

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