Bellamy says he turned down Burnley and remains committed to Wales
Craig Bellamy says he remains committed to Wales after turning down a summer approach from Burnley, two years into the four-year contract he signed when appointed Wales head coach in July 2024. The 47-year-old told reporters he made the decision himself after holding talks with the Championship club.
Burnley opened discussions with Bellamy in June, after triggering a compensation clause and receiving permission from the Football Association of Wales to speak to him, as they sought a replacement for Scott Parker following the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League. Bellamy acknowledged the approach was "flattering" and admitted he had considered leaving his national post two years into the four-year deal.
"I had a decision to make and I made it," Bellamy said. "It didn't break down. I said no, it's not for me. That was it. There was no walk away from discussions. It wasn't for me. "I made the decision to stay because this is the right place for me. "We had a conversation but I was already in a role and this (Wales) was what I wanted. "It was flattering – we all like our ego being exercised and being wanted – but for me, my partner, my kids, this is the place and we didn't see anything else being able to move that."
Speaking as he named his 28-man squad for Nations League A fixtures against Portugal, Denmark and Norway, Bellamy faced questions about the summer speculation for the first time. He said: "I know how it could be seen, but I've only one person I have anything to prove to, and that's me," adding: "I'm comfortable with the decision I've made. I've always been committed in everything I do and that hasn't changed. "Now, winning people over? I don't know, that's the honest truth."
Bellamy's first period in charge included an unbeaten promotion to the top flight of the Nations League after he replaced Rob Page in 2024, but criticism followed Wales' failure to reach the 2026 World Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina in March's play-offs. He warned that the "volatility" of management meant he could not guarantee he would complete his contract, while stressing the importance of results.
On the prospect of remaining in charge for a home European Championships in 2028, Bellamy said: "Oh, I'd love to - but that's two years from now. Nothing's guaranteed. I'm no different, I'm not more special than anyone else (in management)." He also outlined the immediate challenge of the Nations League, noting Wales face three sides placed higher than them in the world rankings, beginning with a trip to Portugal in Lisbon where they could meet Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bellamy highlighted squad constraints ahead of the compressed schedule — four games in 11 days — with injuries ruling out his first-choice centre-back pairing, Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor. He said Wales "will have to work with what we've got" and detailed additions to his backroom staff, naming former Swansea manager Alan Sheehan and ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams as part of the coaching team. "I've tried for ages to get Ash to commit," Bellamy said. "For me, in my time, he's been our greatest captain. He's a leader and young players are definitely going to learn a lot, but also the senior players as well. He'll be a big, big help to the group so I'm really looking forward to working with both of them."
Wales' next fixture is the Nations League opener in Lisbon against Portugal, the first of three matches against higher-ranked opponents in the competition. Bellamy has confirmed his continued focus on that campaign and the squad he has selected for it.
