Chris Coleman has been named as Wales manager, replacing Gary Speed who died last November.

The FA of Wales confirmed the appointment ahead of a press conference in Cardiff.

Coleman is a former Fulham, Real Sociedad, Coventry City and Larissa manager, and made 32 appearances for his country as a player.

Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford said in a statement: "This has been a very difficult process."

He added: "We have explored every avenue, every scenario possible. We have taken on board the thoughts and views of the backroom staff, the players and the supporters.

"All along we believe that we have been respectful and dignified and had no wish to be involved in a public debate on the appointment of Gary's successor.

"Gary was the manager of Welsh football and of course we want to continue his legacy. He was not a figurehead, he was the manager and that is why we have decided on the appointment of Chris Coleman to build on the excellent foundations put in place by Gary."

Speed was found dead at his home on November 27 in an apparent suicide.

Coleman played for Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham before leg injuries he sustained in a car crash in 2001 ended his playing career a year later.

Coleman's first match in charge comes next month when Wales host Costa Rica in a memorial match for Speed on February 29.

Wales, who failed to qualify for this year's European Championship, begin their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign at home to Belgium on September 7. They will also face Croatia, Serbia, Scotland and Macedonia in Group A.

However, Coleman's former club Larissa have said they are starting legal proceedings against the Welsh FA.

Coleman took over at second division Larissa in May 2011 on a one-year contract but left on January 8, citing personal reasons and the club's financial problems as the reasons for his departure.

The club released a statement reacting to the news of his appointment and a spokesman said the 41-year-old Coleman had not signed a contract termination agreement.

"On January 8, 2012, Chris Coleman gave his last interview as head coach of Larissa, saying the causes of his departure were unrelated to the national team of his country; today, 11 days afterwards it has been announced officially that he will be the new national coach of Wales," Larissa said.

"Once it became known that Chris Coleman, who has a contract until next June, would be leaving, the club has been heavily criticised despite the president saying publicly he did everything to keep Coleman at the club.

"Instead of asking for an apology from all those who criticised us, we instead feel the need to apologise for our choice in appointing Chris Coleman."

A spokesman confirmed that Coleman was still under contract.

"We have started legal proceedings in order to claim compensation from the Welsh FA," he said. "We are also prepared to take the matter to FIFA."

Eurosport / Reuters / PA Sport