Wales manager Craig Bellamy would be open to becoming Celtic’s next permanent manager if the Welsh Football Association decides to change direction following their World Cup qualifying disappointment, according to sources.
The 46-year-old has earned praise for his first managerial role, securing promotion to the top tier of the Nations League and developing multiple players. Stoke winger Sorba Thomas highlighted how Bellamy has elevated the performances of several squad members. “You can see how different it is and what he’s brought out of the players. Not just myself, but a lot of the boys. You are seeing some of the boys playing their best football. I’m not surprised that he is a man in demand.”
Bellamy’s Wales contract runs until the end of Euro 2028, and the former striker is reportedly content in his current position. However, the prospect of managing Celtic appeals to him, particularly given his previous connection to the club. He spent the second half of the 2005/06 season on loan at Parkhead, scoring a memorable hat trick in a 3-2 victory over Dundee United and winning his first major trophy in the Scottish Cup. Financial constraints prevented that move from becoming permanent.
Celtic are not expected to retain Martin O’Neill beyond this season, and Bellamy features on their list of candidates alongside Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou.
Bellamy’s tactical approach could prove attractive to Celtic supporters. He typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation and advocates high intensity football. “We’ve got to full gas. Like, that ball goes out for a throw-in? Three seconds, get it back in. Keep the tempo quick,” he explained before the Bosnia and Herzegovina play-off. “We want that, 100 miles-an-hour football. Might not be perfect, but nothing’s ever perfect, anyway. But you know when you go and watch something? I don’t know what it’s going to be, but it’s going to be exciting.”
This philosophy echoes the attacking approach that proved successful under Ange Postecoglou, suggesting Bellamy could restore the front foot football that has been missing during the current campaign.