Chris Coleman has lost one of his close allies in the Welsh national setup with age-grade chief Geraint Williams leaving the post.

Williams’ contract as intermediate manager – overseeing the sides from under 17 to under 21 – is not being renewed.

Football Association of Wales chiefs have taken action following the younger age group sides failed to qualify for final tournaments during his four-year spell in charge.

The 54-year-old said in an FAW statement said: “It has been a privilege to work for my country over the past four and a half years.

“Everyone has played their part on and off the field. I take great delight in our work and the development of all the Intermediate squads.

“I would also like to thank all the parents and adults at all the different age levels for their support.

“But most of all I would like to thank the proud, passionate young men who played for their country.”

Williams leaves the post just weeks after one of his players – under 19 star Ben Woodburn – became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history after his League Cup strike against Leeds.

Coleman was involved in the ex-13 cap player’s appointment to succeed Brian Flynn in 2012 but will now have to try and forge a relationship with his successor.

The Under-21s lost to minnows San Marino in 2013 and drew with Luxembourg last year while the under-19s narrowly failed to qualify for the Elite Round of the European Championships.

And that was despite a victory over England last month when Woodburn featured in the team.

The FAW also confirmed that Williams’ assistant David Hughes has also left
to join the Academy setup at Aston Villa.