Craig Bellamy is torn in two on whether to leave Wales for Burnley after an official approach was made. But given there is a chance he will go, Football Association of Wales bigwigs have begun drawing up a shortlist of candidates who could potentially replace him as Welsh boss.
The FAW would prefer Bellamy to stay. Like any good organisation, they also need to think of the future - particularly with Euro 2028 looming on home soil - and which direction to move in should he accept Burnley's offer.
Here are some of the men who are forming part of the conversation.
Rob Edwards
Wales were very interested in him last time - but the 15-times capped former centre-half ended up signing a new Luton deal. His coaching CV represents a right rollercoaster of ups and downs. Took the Hatters into the Premier League by defeating Coventry in the play-off final, but they were instantly relegated. Edwards then departed Kenilworth Road with Luton sitting just above the Championship relegation zone. Led Middlesbrough to second in the Championship in the season just gone, before being poached away by Wolves. Was then dismissed a few days ago after the Molineux men were also relegated on his watch. Two relegations isn't the finest advert for the Wales job, nor is he the kind of high-profile figure required to engage a nation. However, he is available and highly regarded within FAW circles.
Andrew Crofts
Another unsung figure, but bound to be discussed as he is in situ as one of Bellamy's key lieutenants and could be viewed by the FAW hierarchy as the continuity candidate. Bellamy brought Crofts onto his backroom team after being impressed with the work he has done in the Premier League with Brighton as No.2 to Roberto De Zerbi and Fabian Hurzeler. However, despite winning 29 caps as a midfielder between 2005 to 2017, Crofts isn't the kind of name who would wow the Welsh fans.
Steve Cooper
Like the above two, he is another genuine contender. Never played international football, but won the under-17s World Cup in charge of England as they beat Spain 5-2 in the final with a side containing Phil Foden, Marc Guehi and Morgan Gibbs-White. Cooper comes from a Cardiff City supporting household, but made his name by taking arch-rivals Swansea City to within 90 minutes of the Premier League before they were beaten by Brentford in the play-off final. Took Nottingham Forest up, then struggled in the top flight, while his spell in charge of Leicester was also a tough one. More recently he left Danish side Brondby after just eight months following a poor season when they failed to win in 10 games and missed out on European qualification. So plenty of bad to go with the very good. His appointment would excite many. But Cardiff City fans wouldn't take kindly to Cooper's regular No.2 Alan Tate coming on board - Millennium Stadium flag insult from 2006 etc - so there might need to be a bit of a rethink there. Can Wales afford a man more accustomed to a Premier League salary is the big question?
Aaron Ramsey
Gareth Bale isn't interested in management, so if Wales are to embark down the perennial route of a Dragons legend then Rambo is the obvious candidate this time. He would be following in familiar footsteps of Wales greats being handed their big break in management by their country - Mike England, Terry Yorath, Mark Hughes, Gary Speed, Ryan Giggs and Bellamy himself. Bright, articulate, with great knowledge of the game, Ramsey appears to be an inevitable Wales boss in waiting and would bring his close mate Chris Gunter, current under-19s boss, on board with him. But this could just be a little too soon for the pair of them. If Bellamy stays, it would be more likely in 2028.
Eric Ramsay
Same name, different spelling, but part of the conversation once more. Ramsay's playing career was Welshpool Town and Loughborough University, rather than Arsenal, Cardiff City and Juventus, but I'm told he was the back-up option to Bellamy last time. Thus his name is bound to be raised once more. Took his coaching badges in Wales, impressed in Major League Soccer by leading Minnesota United into the play-offs with a club record total for wins, points and goals scored. However, his stock fell when he was dismissed after just nine matches in charge of West Brom this year with the team a lowly 21st in the Championship. If Bellamy had said no it would probably have been Ramsay last time, so he can't be ruled out.
Thierry Henry
Well, he was actively considered as the glamour candidate previously, with the FAW even seeking the views of Henry's former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. So why not again? The French legend has a special affinity with Wales after taking his coaching badges here, and clearly would raise the profile of the FAW because of his worldwide stature. Henry would cost a fortune, but that could be offset by the bumper marketing deals he might be able to bring in just because he is Thierry Henry. Has managed Monaco, Montreal and the French under-21 side, with mixed fortunes. If FAW boss Noel Mooney wants a name candidate, they don't come much bigger. The other options are much easier - and perhaps more realistic.
Ryan Giggs
Speaking of big names, there is a sense Giggsy still has some unfinished business with Wales after the manner in which his tenure ended. On the pitch he did a brilliant job, qualifying the team for the Euros - without being able to see the job through. With Gary Speed, he possesses the best win ratio of any Wales manager in history. It is not really fair to judge Speed on just the 10 games he had in charge, winning five and losing five. Giggs was manager for 24 matches, winning 12, drawing four and losing eight. The FAW probably won't embark upon this route, although a lot of fans would love to see Giggs back in the dugout. He would certainly play thrilling football and wow many.
Osian Roberts
Some view him as the real tactical mastermind behind the stunning Euro 2016 run as Chris Coleman's No.2. Did a great job as technical director of World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, has Premier League experience as Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace No.2. More recently he has just helped Cesc Fabregas take little Italian outfit Como into the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Would he come home? Might do, for the main job. Will he be asked? Unlikely, I feel.
Matthew Jones
Has been in charge of Wales under-21s since 2022 so, as an internal candidate, he is another whose name will be raised. Burns Welsh passion, but the FAW might feel he is best served in his current role for the time being.
