Craig Bellamy is poised to become the new Wales manager, emerging as the Football Association of Wales (FAW)’s top choice to replace Rob Page, who was dismissed last month. The 44-year-old is currently at Burnley, where he served as acting head coach before Scott Parker’s recent appointment.
Despite Parker’s interest in keeping Bellamy on staff, the former Wales captain seems drawn to the opportunity to lead his national team. BBC Sport Wales reports that final details of the deal with Bellamy and Burnley are still being ironed out, but an appointment is imminent. This will conclude the search to replace Page, who was sacked after Wales failed to qualify for Euro 2024.
Bellamy has long expressed his desire to manage Wales and met with senior FAW officials last week. Among other candidates considered were Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Georgia boss Willy Sagnol, and Oxford United manager Des Buckingham. Bellamy, who narrowly missed out to Ryan Giggs for the job in 2018, impressed during discussions and now has the chance to lead Wales 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 a trip to Montenegro on 9 September.
Bellamy, who scored 19 goals in 78 appearances for Wales, retired from international football in 2013. He began his coaching career at Cardiff City’s academy before becoming assistant manager to former Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and later at Burnley. He stepped up as Burnley’s head coach when Kompany departed for Bayern Munich in May, but the club’s decision to appoint Parker permanently paved the way for Bellamy’s return to Wales.
Bellamy ended his playing career with Cardiff City, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2014. He played for major British clubs, including Norwich, Newcastle, Celtic, Manchester City, and Liverpool (twice). Known for his broad football outlook, Bellamy regularly watched continental games during his playing days and was part of the Great Britain team at the 2012 Olympics.
Bellamy is seventh on both Wales’ all-time goal scorer and cap holder lists. His breakthrough into frontline management will now come at the highest level, fulfilling his long-held ambition to manage his national team.
