News: Craig Bellamy appointed Wales manager

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Craig Bellamy is the new Wales manager

The 44-year-old succeeds former team-mate Robert Page, who was sacked in June.

Cardiff-born Bellamy won 78 Wales caps and captained the side between 2007-2010.

He takes up the role having left Burnley, where he had been acting head coach before Scott Parker's appointment last week.

Parker was keen to work with the Welshman, but Bellamy leaves Burnley with the blessings of everyone at the club.

Bellamy in Welsh playing days
Bellamy, back in the day, with a certain Gareth Bale stood behind him. 

Reports from across Wales and beyond had suggested that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Georgia boss Willy Sagnol and surprise contender Des Buckingham, the Oxford United manager, were all spoken to. However, it has now been confirmed that Bellamy was the Football Association of Wales first choice.

Bellamy is said to have impressed during discussions - and will now get the chance to lead the side in qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

His first game 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 retired from international football in 2013, missing out on the chance to play in a major finals as Wales qualified for Euro 2016 under Chris Coleman.

He took his first steps in coaching with Cardiff City's academy before serving as assistant manager to Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and then Burnley.

Bellamy had stood in for Kompany last season when the Belgian has served a touchline ban and stepped up on a caretaker basis when the former City defender left for Bayern Munich in May.

Bellamy now returns to Wales. Back in 2014, he ended his playing career with hometown club Cardiff City, helping them win promotion to the Premier League. One of the highlights of what was a fantastic career for him. 

Best reaction to this news

This is how the Welsh FA Twitter/X announced the news. 

On this statement, Bellamy 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."

Twitter user @cjp_88 replied: "I hope he does well for our country and I know he’s passionate about Wales; but feels like the same old..."

DJ @candr75 was more positive about the news, he said: "Remember the games at a quarter full Millennium when he was captain of a poor Welsh side. He gave absolutely everything, every single game!"

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