Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, has refused to rule out Craig Bellamy leaving his role as Wales head coach this summer, amid growing interest from Championship side Burnley.
Burnley's Pursuit Intensifies
Bellamy, who took charge of Wales after the 2022 World Cup, has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Scott Parker at Turf Moor. Parker was dismissed in April, and the Clarets have since stepped up their pursuit of the former Liverpool striker, who previously served as Vincent Kompany's assistant at Burnley.
Mooney acknowledged the situation in an interview with S4C, praising Bellamy's impact despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. "Craig has been fantastic for us in terms of the football we play, and the energy we have," Mooney said. "But of course, we have to be aware of the fact that we are in a huge football industry, and that people have different objectives."
Bellamy's Ambition and Daily Football Craving
Mooney echoed Bellamy's own admission that the 44-year-old misses the day-to-day routine of club football. "He loves the rhythm and intensity of football on a day-to-day basis," Mooney added. "So the problem we have always had with him is the gaps between the international windows. He is someone who is full of energy and lives and breathes football."
Despite the potential departure, Mooney expressed full confidence in Bellamy's future. "In my opinion, Craig will go on to be a world-class coach," he stated. "He loves the game, he loves his country, and that shone through very clearly during his time with us - that he loves Welsh football."
Open Door Policy
Mooney left little doubt that an exit is possible, saying: "We were always open to the fact that people have personal ambition, that opportunities arise, and sometimes that someone has done something great in an organisation and then another opportunity presents itself. You have to be open to the fact that people can express themselves in different ways."
He concluded with warm words for Bellamy: "Craig has been special to Welsh football. He's been great to work with, he's a great coach, but more importantly for me, he's a great person - a lovely human being. I have enjoyed every day so far of working with him, and, you know, whatever comes in the next few days or weeks for us and for Craig, we wish... his home is here in the Football Association, and that will always be the case."
