Craig Bellamy has explained why he turned down the chance to become Burnley manager and decided to remain in charge of the Wales national team. The 47-year-old former Wales international became the country’s head coach in July 2024 on a four-year contract. He had previously spent two seasons at Burnley as an assistant to Vincent Kompany.
Burnley approached Bellamy during the summer after the club was relegated from the Premier League and manager Scott Parker left. The Football Association of Wales gave Burnley permission to speak with Bellamy after the club triggered a compensation clause in his contract. Bellamy considered the opportunity but ultimately decided that staying with Wales was the right choice for him and his family. Burnley later appointed Nicky Hayen as its new head coach.
Bellamy said he is comfortable with the path he has chosen. He also noted that he has always been committed to everything he does. He said there was no breakdown or walk away from the discussions with Burnley. He simply decided that the job was not the right move for him.
He emphasized that there was no walk away from the discussions about Burnley, according to a report from Yahoo Sports. He said simply that the Burnley opportunity was not the right fit for him.
Bellamy mentioned that he prefers to stay quiet most of the time. He said his life is not very exciting when he’s not working. He expressed that he has enjoyed the summer and feels settled in his current role. Bellamy also revealed that he spent a week in intensive care last summer after suffering a ruptured appendix.
Bellamy is preparing to lead Wales in upcoming Nations League matches. The first match is against Portugal, scheduled for next Thursday. There are four games in total during the extended international break. Wales plays Portugal in Lisbon on September 24 before facing Denmark in Copenhagen on September 27. Wales then hosts Norway on October 1 and Denmark on October 4 at Cardiff City Stadium. The Football Association of Wales confirmed the four-game schedule when announcing Bellamy’s 28-player squad.
Leeds defender Joe Rodon is not included in the squad due to a hamstring injury. Jayden Lienou has also been called up. Cian Ashford, a 21-year-old forward from Cardiff City, has been named in the squad for the first time. Leeds manager Daniel Farke said Rodon is expected to miss eight to 10 weeks because of the injury.
When asked about his future goals, Bellamy said he would love to manage Wales at Euro 2028. However, he noted that nothing is guaranteed two years in advance. Bellamy said the uncertainty that comes with football management means he cannot assume he will remain in the position that long.
Bellamy praised the leadership qualities of former Wales captain Ashley Williams. He said Williams was a leader and that younger players would learn from him. Bellamy also mentioned that senior players could benefit from Williams’ example. Williams has joined Bellamy’s coaching staff along with former Swansea City manager Alan Sheehan.
IMAGE: Football player Craig Bellamy in action for Wales. Photo: Dan Goddard, who uploaded the image using the handle Foo-med on en.wikipedia / Wikimedia, Public domain.
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