Chris Coleman to leave Wales and take over at Sunderland

The 47-year-old will succeed Simon Grayson, who was sacked after 18 games in charge at Sunderland.

He is expected to be in place as manager by Sunday, ready for his first game in the dugout on Tuesday evening at home against Aston Villa.

Coleman recently met with the Welsh FA to discuss his position as boss, a month after Wales failed to qualify for next summer's World Cup in Russia.

Those talks ended with Coleman deciding to leave, having often hinted at returning to demands of club football.

Former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon told 'BBC Sport': "I'm gutted, really disappointed. I know all the fans will be, the players will be as well.

"I know how much they thought of the manager - he was more than just a manager.

"There was a kind of player relationship between the squad and the manager so they'll be gutted hearing that news as well."