Bellamy 'committed' to Wales after Burnley talks
September 15, 2026 12:24
Craig Bellamy confirmed he turned down an approach from Burnley this summer and says he remains focused on his role as Wales head coach. The 47-year-old held talks with the Championship club after they began the process to appoint a successor to Scott Parker following their relegation from the Premier League, but Bellamy says he decided not to pursue the job.
He made the comments as he announced a 28-man Wales squad for the upcoming Nations League A fixtures against Portugal, Denmark and Norway, and reiterated his ambition to be in charge for a potential Euro 2028 campaign in Wales while stressing that nothing in management is guaranteed.
KEY CONTEXT
- Bellamy was appointed Wales head coach on a four-year contract in July 2024.
- The Football Association of Wales permitted him to speak to Burnley in June after the club triggered a compensation clause.
- He previously worked at Burnley’s Turf Moor as Vincent Kompany’s assistant and described the Burnley approach as flattering, but said family and his current role were determining factors in his decision.
- Bellamy replaced Rob Page in 2024, oversaw an unbeaten promotion to the Nations League top tier, but saw Wales miss out on the 2026 World Cup after losing a March play-off on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
WHY IT MATTERS
Bellamy’s public decision to remain with Wales provides short-term clarity for the national team’s leadership amid recent scrutiny following the World Cup play-off defeat. His commitment matters for squad planning ahead of a demanding Nations League group that includes three higher-ranked opponents and for the longer-term aim he has stated of managing Wales at Euro 2028, should qualification be achieved and circumstances allow.
At the same time, Bellamy acknowledged the inherent instability of coaching roles and declined to guarantee he will complete his four-year deal, leaving an element of uncertainty over medium-term continuity.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Wales begin the Nations League away to Portugal in Lisbon before facing Denmark and Norway; those fixtures will be an early test against higher-ranked teams.
- Squad availability is a concern: Bellamy confirmed injuries have ruled out his preferred centre-back pairing of Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor.
- Monitor how the new-look coaching staff, which includes Alan Sheehan and former Wales captain Ashley Williams, integrate into preparations and influence the group.
- The broader question of whether Bellamy remains in charge through Euro 2028 remains unresolved; he has expressed the desire but emphasised that nothing is guaranteed.
KEY FACTS
- Bellamy was appointed Wales head coach on a four-year deal in July 2024.
- The FAW allowed him to hold talks with Burnley in June after the club triggered a compensation clause.
- Bellamy discussed the vacancy at Burnley but declined to take the job, citing his current role and family considerations.
- Wales failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after a play-off penalty shoot-out loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- Wales face Portugal, Denmark and Norway in Nations League A; injuries have affected the first-choice centre-back options.
- Coaching staff additions include Alan Sheehan and Ashley Williams.