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Chris Coleman to make emotional return to Dublin

Wales manager Chris Coleman will make an emotional return to Dublin this week when he leads his s...



Chris Coleman to make emotiona...
Soccer

Chris Coleman to make emotional return to Dublin

Wales manager Chris Coleman will make an emotional return to Dublin this week when he leads his side into a World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

Coleman's father, Patrick, was born in Dublin and grew up in the East Wall area of the Docklands. He moved to Swansea when he was 20 in 1959.

He died roughly four years ago and Chris scattered his ashes into the Liffey as per his father's wishes.

Speaking ahead of his return to Dublin, the Welsh manager said: "He was a huge football man, he loved the game, he was a good parent, a great father, brilliant with me.

“I started playing football at the young age of seven and he was one of those who never raised his voice. He guided me.

“I watched parents sometimes on the touchlines at youth games and they are screaming and shouting, but he was the opposite to that. He was always a quiet talker but he was massive for me as a youngster coming through. It was huge. I wouldn't have got to different levels I got to without his guidance," he added.

Looking ahead to the match itself, Coleman said: "He was a big part in guiding me to where I got to in my career and my life and, after the game, I might have a Guinness and remember him.

“But beforehand, it will be business.”

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