Craig Bellamy poised to quit Wales after entering advanced talks to return to Burnley

Craig Bellamy is set to leave his role as Wales manager after entering advanced talks to take charge at Burnley, the Press Association understands. The 46-year-old is only halfway through a four-year contract with the Welsh national side, having been appointed in July 2024.

Burnley, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have pushed hard to bring back their former assistant coach to succeed Scott Parker. Bellamy spent two years at Turf Moor as Vincent Kompany’s number two before taking the Wales job, and the Lancashire club have now moved decisively to secure his return.

Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, acknowledged the situation in comments to S4C. “You have to be open to the fact that people can express themselves in different ways,” he said. “Craig has been fantastic for us in terms of the football we play and the energy we have. 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. In my opinion, Craig will go on to be a world-class coach.”

Bellamy’s tenure began promisingly — Wales went nine games unbeaten under him, winning five and drawing four, and earned promotion to Nations League A. However, his reign ended on a sour note after Wales were eliminated from World Cup 2026 qualifying in a play-off semi-final penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. Many Wales supporters criticised Bellamy’s substitution decisions after his side had taken the lead in Cardiff, and he has not won any of his last four matches in charge.

Should Bellamy’s departure be confirmed, Steve Cooper and Rob Edwards are among the early candidates to succeed him. Cooper, who has managed Nottingham Forest, Leicester and Swansea, has been without a club since leaving Danish side Brøndby earlier this year. Edwards, meanwhile, became available after Wolves opted to move on from him earlier this month, despite having initially appeared set to continue following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.