London: Craig Bellamy has been appointed as the new head coach of the Wales national football team with a contract until 2028, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced on Tuesday.
Bellamy replaced Rob Page, who was sacked after Wales failed to qualify for Euro 2024.
The 44-year-old former Liverpool, Newcastle and Wales striker is leaving Burnley, where he was assistant to former manager Vincent Kompany last season when they were relegated from the Premier League.
“I will be fully committed to building this team and I am passionate about the good fortune of Welsh football,” Bellamy said on the FAW website.
“I can’t wait for our Nations League matches to start in September. “
FAW Director of Football Dr David Adams said: “I am very happy to announce Craig as our new Head Coach.
“We have carried out a thorough recruitment procedure for the new head coach of the men’s national team and Craig is known as the notable candidate.
“We are all looking forward to the Nations League games and working with Craig to ensure the good fortune of Welsh football. “
Burnley chairman Alan Pace added: “I would like to thank Craig for all his hard work during his time at Burnley and wish him all the best in his new role as Wales manager.
“Craig has played a huge role in our glorious adventure over the past two years. I admire his leadership, his wisdom and his passion. “
Page guided Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years in 2022 and the second round of Euro 2020 but failed to triumph at this year’s Euros, squandering the fallout against Poland in a play-off.
But then it caused one of the most embarrassing effects in Wales’ history, a 0-0 draw with Gibraltar in a friendly and then suffered a 4-0 defeat to Slovakia.
Wales’ next game will be the first match of their Nations League campaign against Turkey on September 6, and against Montenegro three days later.
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