Captain Ashley Williams was one of those who texted out his feelings to “lay off the gaffer”, saying the players should not escape criticism but together they would get it right.
“We loved him [Coleman] and nights like that when he was under pressure, which we thought was unfair, made those bonds stronger,” says Ledley, one of the players from that night who went on to reach the semi-finals of the Euros less than three years later.
“We knew we were onto something. It had been difficult for us and him after Gary, but we could see he was the right person.”
Coleman was unaware of the texts of support that made their way to journalists that night but officials picked up on the fact senior players were now clearly behind the manager. A new contract was offered and signed.
“He had such a strong relationship with the players,” said Symons.
“He knew he messed up and what people would think on the outside but inside he had their trust and those messages showed they wanted to protect him
“People talk about Together Stronger for Wales, and that was it there.
“And because we all know what happened after, you can smile at it – and probably helped.”
No laughing matter at the time, Coleman has since raised a smile at the events of Skopje that started with shambles but eventually led to a sense of where Wales were going under his charge.
“It didn’t mean we didn’t give him loads of stick about it,” laughs Ledley.
Symons adds that every subsequent away fixture would see scores of smiling team officials ask Coleman to check he knew where his passport was.
And it does not diminish the tale’s claim to be won of the more weird and wonderful in Welsh football.
“I’ve been privileged enough to cover some incredible moments and occasions following Wales,” adds Moxley.
“But that trip to Skopje was the stand out story – especially when you know what happened next.”
