Wales Prepare for Potential Coaching Change Amid Burnley Interest
Former Swansea City manager Steve Cooper is among the early frontrunners to succeed Craig Bellamy as Wales head coach if Bellamy departs for Burnley.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has compiled a shortlist of potential replacements, which includes Cooper, who previously managed Nottingham Forest. FAW officials engaged in informal discussions with Cooper prior to reports of Burnley's renewed interest in Bellamy. Additionally, former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards is being considered for the role.
Burnley intensified their pursuit of Bellamy as they seek a new manager following Scott Parker's exit after the club's relegation from the Premier League last season. Negotiations between Burnley and the FAW have yet to reach an agreement, with the FAW demanding a minimum compensation fee of £1 million.
If Bellamy returns to Burnley, where he previously served as an assistant coach under current Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, the FAW is prepared with a list of potential successors. Cooper is a leading candidate and would not require compensation, having been out of work since leaving Danish club Brondby earlier this year.
Like Cooper, Edwards was considered a strong contender for the Wales job when Bellamy was appointed in 2024, but his position at Premier League club Luton complicated his candidacy. The FAW has also monitored Eric Ramsay, former Wales and Manchester United assistant coach, who briefly managed West Bromwich Albion during the 2025-26 season.
Burnley’s Managerial Search and Bellamy’s Contract Situation
Burnley’s interest in Bellamy comes after announcing Parker’s departure. Edwards was dismissed from Wolves after just seven months in charge.
Bellamy, who has two years remaining on his four-year contract with Wales, publicly stated earlier this month that he has declined club offers to remain with the national team. The 46-year-old has consistently expressed his intention to honour his contract and lead Wales at Euro 2028, which the country will co-host alongside England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.
Nevertheless, Bellamy has been candid about his desire to return to club football and increase his earnings, having accepted a significant pay cut to leave his assistant role at Burnley to take the Wales job.
Senior FAW sources told Wales last month they were
"very confident"Bellamy would stay despite interest from Burnley and Celtic among others. While the FAW leadership remains keen to retain the former Liverpool and Manchester City forward, they acknowledge he could leave if Burnley presents an acceptable offer.
Wales’ Recent Performance Under Bellamy
Wales lost their World Cup semi-final play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina following a penalty shootout in Cardiff. Bellamy was unbeaten in his first nine games, guiding Wales to promotion to the top tier of the Nations League, where they will compete against Portugal, Norway, and Denmark later this year.
However, Wales failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing their play-off semi-final at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March. The team has won only three of their last eleven matches.
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