Wales: Former Nottingham Forest and Wolves bosses considered amid Craig Bellamy Burnley interest
Rob Edwards could be considered for the Wales job if Craig Bellamy leaves. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Wales could consider former Nottingham Forest and Wolves manager’s should Craig Bellamy leaves his role to join Burnley.
Reports continue to suggest that the Clarets are pursuing the former Manchester City winger, who is currently two years into a four-year contract as Wales manager.
The 46-year-old has previously spoken of his desire to remain in the role and lead Wales into the qualification campaign for UEFA EURO 2028. However, Burnley are said to have intensified their efforts to bring Bellamy back to Turf Moor.
According to the BBC, Burnley would need to pay at least £1 million in compensation to secure his services.
As a result, the Football Association of Wales may now have to begin considering potential replacements should Bellamy opt for a move into club management.
Former Nottingham Forest boss among leading contenders
According to BBC Sport Wales, informal discussions have been held regarding former Nottingham Forest, Swansea City and Leicester City manager Steve Cooper, who would be among the leading candidates if the position becomes vacant.
One advantage of appointing Cooper is that he would not require compensation after recently leaving the Danish side Brøndby.
Cooper has previous international experience, having guided England’s Under-17 side to victory at the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup. His squad included future senior internationals such as Morgan Gibbs-White, Phil Foden and Marc Guéhi.
His most notable achievement at club level came with Nottingham Forest, whom he led to promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in 2022. He also guided Swansea City to the Championship play-off final and has held managerial roles with Leicester City and Brøndby.
Recently sacked Wolves boss also in the frame
Former Wolves manager Rob Edwards is another name reportedly under consideration following his recent departure from Molineux.
Edwards earned 15 caps for Wales between 2003 and 2008 and completed his coaching badges through the Football Association of Wales.
The 43-year-old began his managerial career in 2017 and has worked his way up from AFC Telford United to the Premier League. Like Cooper, he enjoyed success in the Championship play-offs, leading Luton Town to promotion to the top flight in 2023.
Edwards also has experience in international football, having managed England Under-16s between 2020 and May 2021.
Craig Bellamy’s record as Wales manager
Bellamy arrived as Wales manager from Burnley in July 2024, having served as part of Vincent Kompany’s coaching staff before the Belgian left to take charge of Bayern Munich.
Since taking charge of the national team, Bellamy has overseen 20 matches, recording eight wins, seven draws and five defeats. His most recent loss came against Romania in June.
The former Wales captain enjoyed an impressive start to life in the role, going unbeaten in his first nine matches. However, that run ultimately ended in disappointment as Wales failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina after a hard-fought draw.
