By Nada Grkinic BBC Sport Online

Coleman will switch from playing to coaching Wales

Chris Coleman has revealed he will be joining Mark Hughes' Wales revolution as a member of the coaching staff.

The Fulham defender announced his retirement from playing football on Wednesday after losing his long battle to regain full fitness.

The 32-year-old broke his right leg in a car crash in January 2001 and, despite extensive physiotherapy, was forced to hang up his boots on the advice of doctors.

But the former Wales international, capped 32 times, is now ready to take up a dual coaching role - at Fulham and Wales.

"Mark has given me the chance to get involved on the coaching side of things," Coleman told BBC Sport Online.

I will be joining Mark with Wales

Chris Coleman

Hughes has overseen Wales' resurgence

"Gary Speed is very important for Wales. He's got a lot of good experience at this level and he is an excellent captain. Likewise, John Hartson is doing well.

"There is a good crop of young players coming through so we have got a great nucleus for the squad, a mixture of youth and experience.

"Whereas before some of these same players were a bit young for this level, they are much better equipped now so it's a big help."

Fulham are also feeling the benefits of experience, according to Coleman.

The Cottagers club captain, who was a key figure in Fulham's meteoric rise to the Premiership, insisted the players were better-equipped this season after a full year in the top-flight.

"I think Fulham are doing better in the Premiership this season because the foreign players have had a 12 months to adapt to this country," Coleman continued.

"The game over here is a lot more physical, aggressive and faster than what some them were used to.

"But now we have got a good blend of youth and experience. The team have had 12 months to bed in together."