World Cup
Bellamy stays with Wales as Burnley job collapses
Burnley’s attempt to hire Wales manager Craig Bellamy as head coach has fallen through, leaving the 46‑year‑old to remain with the Welsh national side. Bellamy, who has two years left on his FAW contract, was linked to the Championship club after Scott Parker’s departure following the team’s relegation from the Premier League in April.
Burnley had identified Bellamy as their preferred successor to Scott Parker. Advanced discussions were thought to involve Bellamy, the Football Association of Wales, and the club, but negotiations broke down for undisclosed reasons.
Bellamy previously served as assistant to Vincent Kompany at Burnley, having worked alongside the former Manchester City defender. A photo by Peter Byrne captured Bellamy alongside Kompany at Turf Moor. His playing career included spells at Liverpool and Manchester City.
Since his appointment in July 2024, Bellamy guided Wales to a nine‑game unbeaten run and promotion to Nations League A. Wales later missed the World Cup after a penalty‑shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March and have not won any of their three matches since.
Bellamy’s record as Wales manager stands at eight wins, six draws and six defeats from 20 games. He is now set to lead Wales into the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign, with the tournament to be co‑hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Burnley’s 2026‑27 Championship schedule opens with a home game against West Ham, as the club seeks immediate promotion after a 2025‑26 season that yielded only 22 points from 38 matches. With the managerial vacancy still open, Burnley will need to explore alternatives beyond Bellamy.