Congratulations Craig Bellamy. CONFIRMED AS NEW WALES MANAGER

[The Lone Gunman]

Never seen Bellamy as management material and never really understood why anyone else does. Having said that, international management is obviously a very different job to club management. Perhaps it will suit him. Here’s hoping.

[Jordi Culé]

Bellamy ticks all the boxes football wise and commercially I imagine.

His appointment should enthuse some of the Welsh public and shift a few campaign tickets. Bellamy is prepared to work for the salary offered which in reality he could earn more elsewhere I imagine?

Football wise he comes across as very knowledgeable, he's a student of the game and he's gained experience by putting in the work as a coach. Tactically he has to be a step up from Page?

I'd like to see an older head, experienced coach with him as I wonder that if some players don't come up to his high standards in relation to effort, commitment and quality how he'll react. Some suggest he's mellowed with age, let's hope so as he's always been passionate which is a great quality but sometimes he appears a little bit combustible.

Bellamy will split players opinions, some will run through brick walls for him others might wilt? It's going to be interesting and I'm looking forward to it on the strength I've got campaign tickets on the instructions of my 11 year old.

Let's be fair his appointment is a lot more exciting than Des Buckingham, no offence Des.

[Michael Morris]

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.

A UEFA Pro Licence holder through the FAW Coach Education system, Bellamy has been a coach since retiring from playing in 2014, most recently as acting Head Coach and Assistant Coach at Burnley in the English Premier League.

Prior to joining Burnley, Bellamy was the U21 Head Coach and Senior Team Assistant Coach for Anderlecht and also worked in the academy of his boyhood club Cardiff City.

As a player, Bellamy played more than 400 top flight matches and represented Cymru 78 times, captaining the side between 2007-2010.

On his appointment, 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. 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.”

The FAW’s Chief Football Officer, Dr. David Adams, said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce Craig as our new Head Coach. We undertook a thorough recruitment process for the new Men’s National Team Head Coach and Craig was identified as the standout candidate.

“We are all looking forward to the Nations League games and working with Craig to deliver success for Welsh Football.”

Bellamy’s first match in charge of the side will be on Friday, 6 September against Türkiye at the Cardiff City Stadium, where Cymru will begin their UEFA Nations League campaign.

[Michael Morris]

And he's officially left Burnley:

Burnley Football Club can confirm that Craig Bellamy has left the club to become the new Wales manager.

Craig joined Burnley as Assistant Manager in 2022, helping us to promotion in his first season with the Clarets before more recently taking the role of acting Head Coach.

On leaving the club, Craig admitted it wasn’t easy to walk away.

“From the first moment I walked into the training ground at Burnley…I knew it was the right club for me and I have loved every moment since.

"The relationships I have with Alan, JJ and all the people at the club, in every department, made my time at Burnley special and leaving a truly difficult decision. But the chance to be the manager, of Wales, my country, has always been a dream that has never left me and a chance I just couldn’t turn down.

"I wish Scotty all the very best, he’s a good person and a close friend and the club is in great hands.

"To all the Burnley fans that made me feel so welcome – thank you and I’ll see you again soon! Belluz."

Chairman Alan Pace added Craig leaves with everyone at Burnley’s blessings.

“I want to thank Craig for all his hard work during his time at Burnley and wish him the best for his new position as Wales Manager.

“Craig has been a very important part of our wonderful journey the last two years. I’ve admired his leadership, knowledge and passion.

“I am certain that he will continue to find success in his new role, and I wish him the very best of luck.”

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

Will be interesting to see his first squad/starting 11 against Turkey.
Have they said how long the contract is? 4 years like Page?

[the other bob wilson]

Bellamy ticks all the boxes football wise and commercially I imagine.

His appointment should enthuse some of the Welsh public and shift a few campaign tickets. Bellamy is prepared to work for the salary offered which in reality he could earn more elsewhere I imagine?

Football wise he comes across as very knowledgeable, he's a student of the game and he's gained experience by putting in the work as a coach. Tactically he has to be a step up from Page?

I'd like to see an older head, experienced coach with him as I wonder that if some players don't come up to his high standards in relation to effort, commitment and quality how he'll react. Some suggest he's mellowed with age, let's hope so as he's always been passionate which is a great quality but sometimes he appears a little bit combustible.

Bellamy will split players opinions, some will run through brick walls for him others might wilt? It's going to be interesting and I'm looking forward to it on the strength I've got campaign tickets on the instructions of my 11 year old.

Let's be fair his appointment is a lot more exciting than Des Buckingham, no offence Des.

Good point about an older head Bellamy could consult - I would have thought someone like Chris Coleman would be willing to do that on an informal basis.

[the other bob wilson]

Will be interesting to see his first squad/starting 11 against Turkey.
Have they said how long the contract is? 4 years like Page?

Yes, he’s contracted until 2028.

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

Yes, he’s contracted until 2028.

👍

[Tuerto]

Bellamy ticks all the boxes football wise and commercially I imagine.

His appointment should enthuse some of the Welsh public and shift a few campaign tickets. Bellamy is prepared to work for the salary offered which in reality he could earn more elsewhere I imagine?

Football wise he comes across as very knowledgeable, he's a student of the game and he's gained experience by putting in the work as a coach. Tactically he has to be a step up from Page?

I'd like to see an older head, experienced coach with him as I wonder that if some players don't come up to his high standards in relation to effort, commitment and quality how he'll react. Some suggest he's mellowed with age, let's hope so as he's always been passionate which is a great quality but sometimes he appears a little bit combustible.

Bellamy will split players opinions, some will run through brick walls for him others might wilt? It's going to be interesting and I'm looking forward to it on the strength I've got campaign tickets on the instructions of my 11 year old.

Let's be fair his appointment is a lot more exciting than Des Buckingham, no offence Des.

He's got to be on 25k a week for managing Wales. I'm not sure that he could command much more of a salary at this stage in his career. All guess work on my part mind

[Dembe]

And he's officially left Burnley:

Burnley Football Club can confirm that Craig Bellamy has left the club to become the new Wales manager.

Craig joined Burnley as Assistant Manager in 2022, helping us to promotion in his first season with the Clarets before more recently taking the role of acting Head Coach.

On leaving the club, Craig admitted it wasn’t easy to walk away.

“From the first moment I walked into the training ground at Burnley…I knew it was the right club for me and I have loved every moment since.

"The relationships I have with Alan, JJ and all the people at the club, in every department, made my time at Burnley special and leaving a truly difficult decision. But the chance to be the manager, of Wales, my country, has always been a dream that has never left me and a chance I just couldn’t turn down.

"I wish Scotty all the very best, he’s a good person and a close friend and the club is in great hands.

"To all the Burnley fans that made me feel so welcome – thank you and I’ll see you again soon! Belluz."

Chairman Alan Pace added Craig leaves with everyone at Burnley’s blessings.

“I want to thank Craig for all his hard work during his time at Burnley and wish him the best for his new position as Wales Manager.

“Craig has been a very important part of our wonderful journey the last two years. I’ve admired his leadership, knowledge and passion.

“I am certain that he will continue to find success in his new role, and I wish him the very best of luck.”

I am happy with this appointment. As others have pointed out it's not the perfect choice, hopefully he has mellowed with the more experience he's had in coaching. I agree he has to be a step up tactically from Page as well.

Although the bit in bold is interesting, as some on here seemed to suggest he may not like working under Parker at Burnley, but I guess that doesnt matter now. Welcome "Belluz".

I have some enthusiasm back for watching Wales.

[The Bloop]

He's got a lot of work to do with that young squad.
I hope he gives them the time to develop, in the same way the FAW have given him the time.

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

They do like a former player as manager don't they - Bellamy, Page, Giggs, Coleman, Speed, Flynn, Toshack, Hughes - all former Wales internationals. You've got to go back to Bobby Gould and 1999 for the last Wales manager who wasn't a former Wales player.

[Dublinblue]

All down to him now whether he can control his aggression and negativity when the tough times come.

Yes, agreed. Hope he has a good therapist and good supports within the FAW. It's not going to be easy, at least initially.

[City123]

He's got to be on 25k a week for managing Wales. I'm not sure that he could command much more of a salary at this stage in his career. All guess work on my part mind

Page was on about 300k a year, Coleman and Giggs similar I believe. Imagine it's roughly the same for Bellamy

[G rangetown Blue]

Good point about an older head Bellamy could consult - I would have thought someone like Chris Coleman would be willing to do that on an informal basis.

I bet he would !
Thankfully Craig doesn’t suffer fools gladly (it gets him in trouble at times), and will not be having anything to do with Coleman!

[Vindec]

Congratulations to Bellamy. However, all the fine words from the powers that be at Burnley seem very hollow in the sense that Bellamy was denied the opportunity to become Burnley's manager. Had Bellamy been given that job there is no way in my view that he would have accepted the difficulty of becoming Wales manager. Bellamy's first job as Wales manager against Turkey is a very difficult one and my only hope is that his reputation as a hard task manager doesn't dissuade several of the players from turning up with withdrawals for fictitious injuries etc. Bellamy was great for us and for Wales so I'm not going to pour cold water on his appointment but only wish him all the best for the future. I hope the crowd give him time to settle in especially given the difficulty of Wales next fixture.

[Jordi Culé]

He's got to be on 25k a week for managing Wales. I'm not sure that he could command much more of a salary at this stage in his career. All guess work on my part mind

Hands up here, I have no idea what salary Wales FA are offering? I've assumed Burnley would be able to pay Bellamy more? Bellamy has had well documented money issues and you couldn't have blamed him for looking after himself first.

What was Rob Page getting?

Anyone know?

[Dembe]

Page was on about 300k a year, Coleman and Giggs similar I believe. Imagine it's roughly the same for Bellamy

Hands up here, I have no idea what salary Wales FA are offering? I've assumed Burnley would be able to pay Bellamy more? Bellamy has had well documented money issues and you couldn't have blamed him for looking after himself first.

What was Rob Page getting?

Anyone know?

Seems it was around 300k

[Citizen's Nephew]

Funnily enough, as soon as the campaign tickets went on sale on 3rd I bought a couple. I'd fallen out of love with going to international football under Page. I'm looking forward to Bellamy in charge. Glad they've given him a chance.

[chrisp_1927]

Was gutted at the news myself, but seems I'm very much in the minority there. Hopefully he proves me wrong and does a good job! Tough game first up against turkey, will be interesting to see what changes.

[NottinghamBlue]

Congratulations Craig, I'm really fired-up by your appointment. Good luck.

[StraightOuttaCanton]

Delighted. Never really understood from a football perspective what anyone’s issue is with him. I was gutted Giggs got it ahead of him and Page was just a right place right time appointment

[Tuerto]

Hands up here, I have no idea what salary Wales FA are offering? I've assumed Burnley would be able to pay Bellamy more? Bellamy has had well documented money issues and you couldn't have blamed him for looking after himself first.

What was Rob Page getting?

Anyone know?

300k apparently. A good screw and all that, but i was way off if what City 123 says is correct, and i have no reason not to believe him. I would have thought it would have been a lot more than that. What do i know....

[superfeathers]

And he's officially left Burnley:

Burnley Football Club can confirm that Craig Bellamy has left the club to become the new Wales manager.

Craig joined Burnley as Assistant Manager in 2022, helping us to promotion in his first season with the Clarets before more recently taking the role of acting Head Coach.

On leaving the club, Craig admitted it wasn’t easy to walk away.

“From the first moment I walked into the training ground at Burnley…I knew it was the right club for me and I have loved every moment since.

"The relationships I have with Alan, JJ and all the people at the club, in every department, made my time at Burnley special and leaving a truly difficult decision. But the chance to be the manager, of Wales, my country, has always been a dream that has never left me and a chance I just couldn’t turn down.

"I wish Scotty all the very best, he’s a good person and a close friend and the club is in great hands.

"To all the Burnley fans that made me feel so welcome – thank you and I’ll see you again soon! Belluz."

Chairman Alan Pace added Craig leaves with everyone at Burnley’s blessings.

“I want to thank Craig for all his hard work during his time at Burnley and wish him the best for his new position as Wales Manager.

“Craig has been a very important part of our wonderful journey the last two years. I’ve admired his leadership, knowledge and passion.

“I am certain that he will continue to find success in his new role, and I wish him the very best of luck.”

This has shocked me a bit. I always thought he would spell it "Beller's"

[North Cardiff Blue]

300k apparently. A good screw and all that, but i was way off if what City 123 says is correct, and i have no reason not to believe him. I would have thought it would have been a lot more than that. What do i know....

It's brilliant for a part-time job about six weeks a year the rest of the time having a laugh and getting free football tickets and travel whenever he wants. Good luck to him, I really hope it works out!