Ex-Fulham and Crystal Palace man walks out of role in management after two years in charge

A former promotion-winning defender at both Fulham and Crystal Palace has walked out of his managerial role just seven games into the new season. Chris Coleman was a Welsh international defender who made over 500 career appearances in English football and the majority of those came in successful spells in London with both Crystal Palace and Fulham.

Coleman was a member of the Eagles team which won the First Division title in 1993/94 to earn promotion to the Premier League. He also enjoyed a successful spell with Fulham which saw him win two promotions in three years as The Cottagers climbed from the third-tier to the Premier League. Since retiring from football the former Welsh international has worked in a number of managerial roles including his former club Fulham who made him the youngest manager in the top-flight in 2003.

Coleman enjoyed initial success during his time at Craven Cottage and was praised for harnessing the talents of Edwin Van Der Sar, Louis Saha and Steed Malbranque. His time at Fulham lasted four years but came to a surprise end during April of the 2006/07 season when he was sacked.

The 53-year-old has since enjoyed spells at Real Sociedad, Coventry City, AEL, Sunderland and Hebei China Fortune. But his most notable achievements came during a five year-stint with the Wales national team, who he led to an unprecedented European Championship semi-final in 2016.

Coleman’s most recent challenge to Greece to manage top-tier side Atromitos, who are based near the capital city in Athens. In his 20 month stay at the club he inherited a team that were winless in nine and led them to a 12th place finish before helping the team climb up to 8th in his first full season at the helm.

This performance earned him a one year contract extension which he signed over the summer, amid links with the Olympiakos job. However, the team has started the season in disastrous fashion with no wins from their opening seven games and the club has struggled with budget cuts which resulted in the departure of assistant coach Kit Symons.

A club statement read: “Atrimitos would like to thank Chris for his contribution to our team, since he took over in very difficult times. He has been an example of dedication and hard work. He took over the technical leadership of Atromitos in January 2022 and remained on the bench in 61 matches. Chris, you will forever belong to the Atromitos family and we wish you every success on a personal and professional level.”