Burnley FC is working to appoint Craig Bellamy as its next manager, hoping to strike a deal with the Football Association of Wales to release the 46-year-old from his national team duties.
The Championship side began its managerial search on April 30, 2026, following the departure of Scott Parker after the club’s relegation from the Premier League. Bellamy has quickly emerged as the leading candidate. Betting odds have plummeted to as low as 1/2, making him the clear favorite ahead of names like Steven Gerrard.
A familiar face returns to the frame
The former Wales international served as Vincent Kompany’s assistant at the club from 2022 to 2024, a period that saw Burnley earn promotion to the Premier League. He even briefly stepped in as acting head coach in May 2024 before Kompany departed for Bayern Munich.
Bellamy was appointed Wales head coach on July 9, 2024, replacing Rob Page on a four-year contract that runs through Euro 2028. Burnley is now asking him to walk away from it roughly two years in.
