Craig Bellamy has been confirmed as the new manager of the Wales national team, signing a four-year contract to succeed Rob Page. The former captain described the appointment as his 'ultimate dream' and the proudest moment of his career.
Bellamy, 44, has been coaching since retiring as a player in 2014, most recently serving as assistant to Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and Burnley. He was identified as the Football Association of Wales’s preferred candidate after Page was sacked following poor friendly results against Gibraltar and Slovakia.
Bellamy made 78 appearances for Wales, captaining the side from 2007 to 2010. He previously applied for the manager role in 2018 but lost out to Ryan Giggs. 'It was always my ultimate dream to become the Cymru head coach and I am ready for the challenge,' he said.
His first match in charge will be the Nations League opener against Turkey at Cardiff City Stadium in September, followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later. His overarching aim is to lead Wales to the 2026 World Cup.
Bellamy turned down the chance to remain at Burnley under new manager Scott Parker, stating the Wales job was an opportunity he could not refuse. David Adams, the FAW’s chief football officer, said Bellamy emerged as 'the standout candidate' during the recruitment process.
