Craig Bellamy Set to Become New Wales Manager
Craig Bellamy, the former Wales captain, is set to be named the new manager of the Wales national football team. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has chosen Bellamy as their top choice to replace the recently sacked Rob Page. Bellamy, who is currently at Burnley, had been acting as head coach before Scott Parker’s appointment last week. Despite Parker’s interest in working with Bellamy, it seems that the Welshman is attracted to managing his country.
According to BBC Sport Wales, the final details of the deal are still being negotiated between Bellamy and Burnley. However, it is understood that an appointment is imminent, bringing an end to the search for a replacement for Page, who was dismissed in June after Wales failed to qualify for Euro 2024.
Bellamy has long expressed his desire to manage Wales and recently met with senior FAW officials. Although other candidates were considered for the position, including Thierry Henry and Willy Sagnol, Bellamy is said to have impressed during discussions.
Assuming the role of Wales manager, Bellamy will have the opportunity to lead the team in qualification for the 2026 World Cup. His first game in charge will be a Nations League match against Turkey on September 6th, followed by a trip to Montenegro on September 9th.
Bellamy, who made 78 appearances for Wales before retiring from international football in 2013, missed out on playing in a major tournament when Wales qualified for the European Championships two years later. He began his coaching career with Cardiff City’s academy and served as assistant manager to Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and Burnley. Bellamy also stood in as caretaker manager during Kompany’s touchline ban last season.
While Bellamy’s playing career included stints at top clubs such as Newcastle, Celtic, Manchester City, and Liverpool, he always had a broader outlook beyond the domestic game. Even as a player, he regularly watched football matches on the continent. In addition to his international experience with Wales, Bellamy was part of the Great Britain team at the 2012 Olympics.
Bellamy’s appointment as Wales manager signifies his breakthrough into top-level management. He is currently seventh in both the all-time list of Wales’ international goal scorers and cap holders. In 2018, he narrowly missed out on the national job to Ryan Giggs, but now he has the opportunity to lead his country in their quest for World Cup qualification.
Overall, Bellamy’s appointment as the new Wales manager marks an exciting chapter for Welsh football. With his vast experience as a player and his coaching background, he brings a unique perspective to the role. Fans will be eager to see how he leads the team and guides them towards future success.