Craig Bellamy, the highly sought-after Welsh head coach, is firmly focused on qualifying for next year’s World Cup despite growing speculation surrounding his potential move to Celtic. The 46-year-old has been at the helm of Wales since July 2024 and has already made a significant impact, leading the team to promotion to the Nations League top tier while implementing an innovative new style of play.
However, Bellamy's name has come up for consideration as a potential successor to Brendan Rodgers, who left Celtic last week. The former Liverpool and Manchester City player is said to be in high demand, with several clubs reportedly keen on his services. Yet, despite these links, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Noel Mooney says that Bellamy remains completely focused on Wales' qualification campaign.
"We're 100% focused on going to the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico next year," Mooney stated. "Two massive matches in November are our priority, and we'll get linked with roles - including Celtic - from there." The FAW chief executive also acknowledged that Bellamy is an exciting coach who has captured the imagination of many people, but emphasized that his attention remains firmly on Wales.
Bellamy himself made a loan spell at Celtic during his playing career, which could explain why he's being mentioned for the job. However, it seems unlikely that he'll leave Wales just yet. According to FAW sources, any move would require a "significant seven-figure" compensation package - a fee higher than expected if triggered before next year's World Cup.
With Wales set to face Liechtenstein and North Macedonia this month, followed by the play-offs in March, Bellamy's priority is clear. The former assistant coach at Burnley has already taken a pay cut from his previous role to join the FAW, so it's unclear whether he'll be tempted by Celtic's lucrative offer.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Mooney remains steadfast in his support for Bellamy, saying that he will "go from strength to strength with Cymru" and potentially manage top teams in the world.
However, Bellamy's name has come up for consideration as a potential successor to Brendan Rodgers, who left Celtic last week. The former Liverpool and Manchester City player is said to be in high demand, with several clubs reportedly keen on his services. Yet, despite these links, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Noel Mooney says that Bellamy remains completely focused on Wales' qualification campaign.
"We're 100% focused on going to the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico next year," Mooney stated. "Two massive matches in November are our priority, and we'll get linked with roles - including Celtic - from there." The FAW chief executive also acknowledged that Bellamy is an exciting coach who has captured the imagination of many people, but emphasized that his attention remains firmly on Wales.
Bellamy himself made a loan spell at Celtic during his playing career, which could explain why he's being mentioned for the job. However, it seems unlikely that he'll leave Wales just yet. According to FAW sources, any move would require a "significant seven-figure" compensation package - a fee higher than expected if triggered before next year's World Cup.
With Wales set to face Liechtenstein and North Macedonia this month, followed by the play-offs in March, Bellamy's priority is clear. The former assistant coach at Burnley has already taken a pay cut from his previous role to join the FAW, so it's unclear whether he'll be tempted by Celtic's lucrative offer.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Mooney remains steadfast in his support for Bellamy, saying that he will "go from strength to strength with Cymru" and potentially manage top teams in the world.
! like i get why celtic is trying to get bellamy as their coach but i think wales should focus on qualifying for the world cup first? 
️ they already made a big deal in promoting to the nations league top tier and now they're just one step away from the world cup... wouldn't it be awesome if they actually made it? 
it's like bellamy is this super talented coach who can help wales achieve their goal, but he's not even thinking about leaving until the next year because of his contract 
isn't that so cool that the faw chief executive is being super supportive of him and saying he'll be fine to handle top teams? 
what do you guys think should happen next with wales' qualification campaign tho? 
he did play for celtic though so maybe thats a connection but at this point i think hes more focused on wales' qualification campaign than any other job 
. It's cool that he's being mentioned for Celtic, but it's not like the FAW is panicking or anything 
. Noel Mooney's just keeping it real, saying Bellamy's an awesome coach, but Wales comes first 
. The fact that he took a pay cut to join the FAW shows how much he wants to do this job right 
, especially with all the World Cup matches coming up soon 
.
! The guy's doing an amazing job at Wales, leading them to promotion and implementing a new style of play that's got everyone talking. And let's be real, his coaching credentials are on point 
But seriously, Bellamy seems super focused on getting Wales qualified for the World Cup next year and I don't blame him one bit 
. The speculation about a potential move to Celtic is just that – speculation 
!
he's doing such an amazing job w/ Wales & now ppl r already talkin bout him leavin 4 Celtic 
it's like he just got to the top of the mountain & already they're tryin 2 pull him back down 
i get it tho, Celtic's a great club but 4 now? he's gotta focus on that World Cup qualification 1st & foremost 
. Can't we just have one thread without it getting hijacked by speculation about Craig Bellamy's future? 
I mean, can't we focus on his actual achievements with Wales instead of constantly switching topics? 
He's already done a great job leading them to promotion and implementing a new style of play. Can't we just give him some credit for that before the drama begins? 
those clubs saying he's in demand gotta chill a bit tho 
celtic might have to come back with a bigger offer than that lol 
️! Craig Bellamy's style of play is all about speed & agility, kinda like a Celtic team that can take on anyone 
. But seriously though, the FAW is keeping their priorities straight and focusing on qualification for next year's World Cup 
. And who knows, maybe one day we'll see Craig lead his beloved team to victory 
if it wasn't for the world cup qualification campaign, he'd probably be out of here already 
especially after burnley's assistant coach left 
If Bellamy is really set on staying in Wales, shouldn't the FAW be able to make that work? It seems like they're being pretty reasonable about this whole thing.
I'm excited to see how Wales does in the World Cup next year – they've got a good chance of making it through.
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. And let's be real, if he's really focused on getting us to that World Cup, shouldn't we be worried about what happens after it? Are we just gonna sit back and watch him get poached by some top team while we're still trying to qualify for the next tournament? 
It's good to see Noel Mooney standing by him and supporting his decision to prioritize Wales' qualification hopes. Fingers crossed they can get through those crucial matches this month and into next year's World Cup 
I think it's awesome that Craig Bellamy is staying focused on Wales' World Cup bid 
. The FAW chief executive Noel Mooney is being super cool about all the Celtic rumors 
, but I get why people are excited – Bellamy has an awesome coaching style and experience playing for Celtic 
. A "significant seven-figure" package would be a huge temptation, though 
It's like, what's gonna happen? Is he gonna leave us for some more money or is he all about winning that World Cup with Wales