Craig Bellamy Set to Be Named New Wales Manager.
Craig Bellamy is on the verge of being appointed the new manager of the Wales national team according to report by BBC Sports. The 44-year-old has emerged as the Football Association of Wales’ (FAW) preferred choice to replace Rob Page, who was dismissed last month.
Bellamy is currently at Burnley, where he served as acting head coach prior to Scott Parker’s recent appointment. Despite Parker’s desire to work with him, Bellamy is reportedly drawn to the prospect of managing his country.
Reports emerging from UK reveals that the final details of Bellamy’s deal with both him and Burnley are still being negotiated. However, the appointment appears imminent, concluding the search to replace Page, who was sacked in June after Wales failed to qualify for Euro 2024.
Bellamy has long expressed his ambition to manage Wales and held discussions with senior FAW officials last week. Other candidates considered for the role included Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Georgia boss Willy Sagnol, and Oxford United manager Des Buckingham.
Bellamy, who narrowly missed out on the Wales job to Ryan Giggs in 2018, impressed during the discussions and will now have the opportunity to lead the team in their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup. His first match as Wales manager will be a Nations League home tie against Turkey on 6 September, followed by an away game against Montenegro on 9 September.
Bellamy enjoyed a distinguished playing career, making 78 appearances for Wales and scoring 19 goals, including a memorable winner against Italy in 2002. After retiring from international football in 2013, he began his coaching career with Cardiff City’s academy and later served as assistant manager to his former Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and Burnley.
Bellamy took on a more prominent role at Burnley when Kompany left for Bayern Munich in May. With Burnley opting for Parker as their permanent manager, the opportunity for Bellamy to return to Wales emerged. Bellamy, who ended his playing career with his hometown club Cardiff City, now looks set to fulfil his long-held dream of managing the Welsh national team.
