Burnley step up pursuit of Wales boss Craig Bellamy as big decision looms

Championship club Burnley have initiated contact with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) regarding the potential appointment of Craig Bellamy as their new manager, despite the Wales boss recently appearing to dismiss an immediate return to club football.

The Clarets are actively seeking a successor to Scott Parker, who departed in April following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

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Bellamy, 46, a former striker for Liverpool and Manchester City, is no stranger to Turf Moor, having previously served as assistant manager under Vincent Kompany.

The Press Association understands that while an enquiry has been made, no agreement is currently in place.

This development comes after Bellamy, who has two years remaining on his Wales contract, publicly stated his commitment to the national side earlier this month, ahead of a friendly against Ghana. He emphasised his focus on qualifying for Euro 2028, despite acknowledging other offers.

Bellamy said: "Wales have given me this opportunity and I’m really grateful for that. I’m fully focused on the next two years and being Welsh manager is unique, full stop."

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He added: "To be national team manager – I’m sure plenty of Welsh people and ex-players would give anything to be in this position, and the ones who have been in this position would want to be here again.

“It’s an amazing time and I don’t want to wish that away. And then to have the opportunity of a home nations tournament and going to the Principality Stadium – I can only imagine what the streets (in Cardiff) would be like leading into it."

Bellamy has been in charge of the Welsh national team since 2024 and led them into the World Cup play-offs earlier this year.

However, Wales failed to qualify for the global tournament after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in their play-off semi-final in Cardiff back in March.

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