Ashley Williams reveals Wales players left 'shocked and angry' at Chris Coleman's departure for Sunderland

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Ashley Williams has revealed Wales players reacted to Chris Coleman's departure with shock and anger.

Coleman left his role as national team manager to become Sunderland boss after the Welsh FA failed to meet his demands for investment.

Sportsmail reported on Sunday that the squad were left livid by the governing body's failure to sort a new contract for Coleman.

Ashley Williams says Wales players were shocked by Chris Coleman's departure

Everton defender Williams told WalesOnline: 'We were all shocked. We knew the talks were going on; I'd spoken to the gaffer during the week so we knew there was a risk he could go, but we never thought it would come to it because I knew deep-down he wanted to stay.

'When the news came we were obviously disappointed and, being honest, a lot of the lads were quite angry.

'Obviously, we don't know the full situation of what happened and how it played out, so it might well be that it's misplaced, but that was the initial feeling.'

Coleman left for Sunderland after the Welsh FA didn't agree to his demands for investment

Coleman lost his first match in charge of Sunderland 2-1 against Aston Villa on Tuesday

Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, and Tony Pulis are the names in the frame to succeed Coleman but an appointment may not happen until January.

'Managers do come and go – it's part of football and it's not our place to make the decision or say who should or shouldn't get the job. That's something we accept and respect,' Williams added.

'But if they decided they wanted to gauge the opinion of the squad, then I'd be more than happy to take a call and, given how close the squad is and how important keeping that togetherness will be, I think it could be a good thing.'