Craig Bellamy has been confirmed as the new head coach of Wales in what will be his first senior managerial role.
The former forward has spent much of the last decade in coaching positions, initially on a voluntary basis with Cardiff City before taking on roles at Anderlecht and Burnley.
However, in light of Rob Page departing his role as Wales boss last month, the 44-year-old has been given responsibility for leading his nation's revival on the international stage.
Bellamy has been handed a four-year contract by the Football Association of Wales, signifying that there will be patience in trying to earn another appearance at a major tournament.
Croeso Bellamy 🏴
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) July 9, 2024
📰 https://t.co/Uo7GX0ayUA#CroesoBellamy | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/5lzipH42iv
What has Bellamy had to say?
As a 78-cap veteran as a player, Bellamy is naturally humbled to be placed in charge of the Dragons, admitting it is 'his proudest moment'.
He said: "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.
"I will give my full commitment to develop this team and I am passionate to bring continued success into Welsh football. I can't wait to get started with our Nations League games in September."
We can confirm that Craig Bellamy has left the club to become the new @FAWales Manager.
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) July 9, 2024
We wish you the best of luck, Craig!
What has Bellamy achieved ahead of this role?
Bellamy's career path has been very similar to that of Vincent Kompany, his former Manchester City teammate who has recently become the Bayern Munich head coach.
Kompany brought in Bellamy as Under-21 manager at Anderlecht before he later became assistant to the Belgian. Such was their working relationship that Bellamy followed Kompany to Burnley.
Their first campaign at Turf Moor in 2022-23 was an overwhelming success, the Clarets winning the Championship title, before they suffered relegation from the Premier League last season.
Once Kompany moved to Germany, Bellamy was promoted to 'acting head coach' before Scott Parker was appointed as the permanent new boss.
With a new position in front of him, Bellamy will hope to transfer his passion during his playing days, where he scored 19 times for his country, into the dugout.
Wales' first fixture with Bellamy at the helm will be a meeting with Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 6, that encounter taking place in Cardiff.
Darren Plant
