Craig Bellamy has been officially named as the Wales national team head coach. The former star forward now replaces Rob Page at the helm. Page previously held the position for around three-and-a-half years. Nevertheless, Welsh soccer officials fired their manager following two disappointing showings in recent friendlies.
Page could only manage a draw against Gibraltar on June 6 and then suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Slovakia three days later. The decision to sack their previous coach also came after the Dragons failed to qualify for the Euro 2024.
“It’s an incredible honor for me to be given the opportunity to lead my country and it’s the proudest moment of my career,” proclaimed Bellamy. “It was always my ultimate dream to become the Cymru head coach and I am ready for the challenge.”
“I will give my full commitment to develop this team and I am passionate to bring continued success into Welsh football. I can’t wait to get started with our Nations League games in September.”
Bellamy is the ninth consecutive Welshman to manage the national team
It was previously reported that Wales was looking to make a splash in their managerial search. Former French superstar Thierry Henry was being considered by Welsh soccer officials. Henry is currently France’s U21/U23 head coach and will lead his country’s men’s team during the upcoming Summer Olympics.
Before being in charge of the youth sides, the former striker was also manager of Monaco and Montreal. Things, however, did not go as planned for Henry with the two teams. He managed to win just 27% of his games at the helm of the French and Canadian clubs.
Despite Henry having more experience than Bellamy, Wales went with tradition in their choice. The last nine managers of the Dragons have all been Welshmen. The last head coach of the team that was not from the nation was England’s Bobby Gould. The former striker departed Wales in 1999 after failing to qualify for the 1998…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/wales-picks-bellamy-over-henry-as-the-teams-next-manager/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-07-09 16:49:42
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