Chris Coleman has resigned as manager of Real Sociedad

[Boab 73]

Former Fulham boss Chris Coleman has resigned as manager of Spanish Second Division side Real Sociedad.

The Welshman has stepped down less than a week after stating he would be staying at the club following a meeting with new president Inaki Badiola.

Coleman, whose assistant Steve Kean has also quit, joined Real Sociedad last July on a three-year contract.

"We are leaving the posts with much sadness as it is a fantastic club," the 37-year-old commented.

Coleman's future had been the subject of much speculation following the election of Badiola earlier this month.

And his decision comes just 24 hours after sports director and former Wales assistant manager Salva Iriarte was dismissed.

"Things have changed with the arrival of Badiola because there are now two different ways of seeing the club and of working," added Coleman.

Sociedad made a slow start following Coleman's appointment last summer but they now lie fifth in the Segunda Division after a run of just one defeat in the last 11 matches, just a point off the promotion places.

Coleman offered to resign last November following the resignation of former president Maria de la Pena, who had played a key role in bringing the former defender to the club.

The Swansea-born coach was persuaded to stay on by the remaining board members, who asked him to remain in charge at least until the new presidential elections took place on 3 January.

Badiola was duly elected and his ideas for running the club included the addition of a number of new players that he had already pinpointed - a policy which did not sit well with Coleman.

A meeting between the two at the start of last week resulted in Coleman committing his future to the club, saying he would stay for "as long as the club need me".

BBC site.

Bit sad by this tbh, always liked Coleman

[blueben_d 40]

I reckon he'll be back at a EPL team sooner rather than later. Thought he was very hard done by with Fulham and he seems to be hard done by again here.

[Jasper 157]

Didnt even know he was there

[trueblue1872 2]

Been linked with newcastle as Keegans No 2.