Craig Bellamy Appointed as Wales National Team Manager

Craig Bellamy has been named the new head coach of the Cymru Men’s National Team following the departure of the previous boss, Rob Page, by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) last month. Bellamy, who was previously in a coaching role at Burnley before Scott Parker took over, will transition to his new position ahead of the resumption of the Nations League in September.

The 44-year-old, a former player with 78 appearances for Wales and 19 goals, including participation in the 2012 Olympics with the Great Britain team, expressed his delight at the appointment on the FAW’s official website. He holds a UEFA Pro Licence and has been actively involved in coaching since retiring from playing in 2014.

In their announcement, the FAW stated, “The Football Association of Wales are delighted to announce the appointment of Craig Bellamy as the Cymru Men’s National Team Head Coach until 2028.” Bellamy’s commitment to Welsh football was highlighted as a key factor in his selection for the role.

Bellamy’s first official match as the head coach will be against Turkiye on Friday 6 September at the Cardiff City Stadium, marking the beginning of Wales’s Nations League campaign. The team will be looking to make a strong start under his leadership as they aim for success in the upcoming competitions.

Craig Bellamy spoke enthusiastically about his new role, stating, “It’s an incredible honour for me to be given the opportunity to lead my country and it’s the proudest moment of my career. It was always my ultimate dream to become the Cymru Head Coach and I am ready for the challenge.” His focus is on developing the team and bringing continued success to Welsh football.

Bellamy’s appointment signifies a significant milestone in his coaching career, transitioning from assistant roles to the top position with the national team. His experience both as a player and a coach will be crucial as he steers Wales towards the 2026 World Cup, setting ambitious goals for the team’s future.