Chris Coleman's a class act at the Merlin Theatre
Welsh football at international level is in good hands if the down to earth attitude of current manager Chris Coleman is anything to go by.
Top trio made welcome
Coleman, who took over the reins after the untimely death of Garry Speed, was at the Merlin Theatre, in Haverfordwest, to talk to local football fans, players and officials about his work, his own playing career and aspirations as a guest of Haverfordwest County in conjunction with the Football Association of Wales.
Joining him was Ian Gwyn Hughes, who was previously a commentator on BBC at international matches and premier league games, as well as doing a great job of covering football in Wales. Now the Football Association of Wales' publicity guru, Hughes has accompanied Coleman to venues all around Wales to let supporters get to learn about the FAW's plans with Coleman as the catalyst.
Also in attendance from the FAW headquarters in Cardiff was Peter Barnes, who brought the splendid Welsh Cup as a reminder of what the Bluebirds could aim for as they took on The New Saints in the quarter finals.
Visit to an old friend – and a gentleman of the road
Coleman showed what a good man he is as he called into Pembroke to say hello to old friend Des Shanklin, the Haverfordwest County president, en route. He was a little late arriving at the Merlin Theatre because between Pembroke and Haverfordwest he encountered a lady wandering along, clearly in a confused state. Chris then gave her a lift to the Merlin Theatre and she was picked up there by the police, who had been out looking for her in the area.
The short delay was well worth the wait for those in attendance, however, as the first half of the evening, which was superbly organised by Haverfordwest County's commercial director David Hughes, had Messrs Coleman and Hughes sitting at a table, sipping water and talking about Coleman's involvement in football.
Setting the tone
The intimate chat set the tone for the evening and covered Coleman's playing days at Swansea, Blackburn and Fulham in some detail. The Welsh manager explained how he got in to management as a player at Fulham who took over from Frenchman Jan Tigana with only five games of a season left, his managerial experience abroad and the way that he took over from his long-time friend Garry Speed as boss of the Welsh team.
During a short break where Coleman signed many autographs, had his photo taken and generally chatted to supporters, there was a raffle where the coveted prizes were a Welsh team shirt and match ball, both signed by the current Welsh squad.
Great night out!
In an entertaining second half of the evening, Coleman answered questions as wide ranging as how good he thought Gareth Bale was, which other teams he would like to manage, his thoughts on how the game has changed to his post-match meetings with Sir Alec Ferguson!
All were dealt with in the calm, comprehensive way that seems to be part of Coleman's manner and there was no doubt that the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by those at the Merlin Theatre. The Welsh Manager, along with Ian Gwyn Hughes, is performing a great ambassadorial role as he travels around Wales – and the FAW is to be applauded on such a splendid initiative!
PHOTOS:
Peter Barnes, Ian Gwyn Hughes and Chris Coleman with Haverfordwest County's David Hughes
Chris Coleman & Ian Gwyn Hughes chat away
The Bluebirds' Supporters' Club
Chris is interviewed for Radio Pembrokeshire by Bill Carne