Cooper on Wales' radar amid Bellamy's Burnley links

Jack Turner

4 days ago7 min read

Wales are preparing for the possibility of losing head coach Craig Bellamy to Burnley, with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) drawing up a contingency shortlist that includes former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper. Bellamy, who took charge of the national team only last summer, has emerged as a leading candidate for the vacant post at Turf Moor following Vincent Kompany’s departure to Bayern Munich.Sources close to the FAW indicate that while no formal approach has been made, the governing body is acting prudently to ensure continuity should Bellamy decide to return to club management. Bellamy’s tenure with Wales has been brief but impactful.The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward inherited a squad in transition after the retirement of talismanic captain Gareth Bale and the departure of long-serving manager Rob Page. Under Bellamy, Wales have shown signs of a more progressive, high-pressing style, earning plaudits in recent friendlies and Nations League fixtures.However, the allure of the Premier League, where Burnley now find themselves after promotion, may prove difficult to resist for a coach eager to test himself at the highest level of English football. Steve Cooper, who is currently out of work after being dismissed by Nottingham Forest in December 2023, is understood to be high on the FAW’s list of potential successors.The 44-year-old Welshman has a strong track record in developing young talent and a deep affinity with the national setup, having previously coached England’s youth teams to World Cup glory at U17 level. His experience in the Premier League, where he kept Forest up against the odds in 2022-23, makes him an attractive candidate to lead Wales through the next World Cup qualifying campaign.Other names are also believed to be under consideration, though Cooper is seen as the frontrunner given his availability and familiarity with the British game. The situation is complicated by Burnley’s own timeline.The Clarets are keen to appoint a new manager before the start of pre-season training, and Bellamy’s name has been discussed internally as a progressive choice who could build on Kompany’s possession-based philosophy. Bellamy worked under Kompany at Anderlecht and has maintained close ties with the Belgian coach, which has fueled speculation that he could be tempted by the project at Turf Moor.For Wales, losing Bellamy so early in his tenure would be a setback, but the FAW’s proactive planning suggests they are determined to avoid a prolonged period of uncertainty. From a broader perspective, this managerial merry-go-round highlights the precarious nature of international football management, especially for smaller nations.Wales have enjoyed a golden generation of players, but with several key figures aging or retired, the next appointment will be crucial in shaping the team’s identity for years to come. Cooper’s potential return to the international stage would bring a wealth of experience, but it would also raise questions about whether he can replicate the success he had with England’s youth teams at senior level.The FAW will be mindful of the need for a coach who can not only deliver results but also inspire a new generation of Welsh talent. For now, the focus remains on Bellamy and his immediate future.The FAW has publicly expressed its desire to retain him, but privately, the wheels are already in motion to ensure a smooth transition if necessary. The coming weeks are likely to bring clarity, with Burnley expected to accelerate their search once the Premier League fixtures are confirmed. Whatever the outcome, Wales appear determined to be prepared for all eventualities, with Steve Cooper waiting in the wings should the call come.

#lead focus

#Wales national football team

#Craig Bellamy

#Steve Cooper

#Burnley

#Premier League

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