Craig Bellamy Open to Celtic Move as Managerial Search Continues
Wales manager Craig Bellamy has emerged as another candidate for the Celtic job, with sources indicating he would be open to the position should the Welsh Football Association decide to part ways following their World Cup qualifying disappointment.
Celtic’s hierarchy are taking their time with the appointment after the disastrous 33-day tenure of Wilfried Nancy earlier this season. Martin O’Neill was drafted in as interim manager with the hope of securing the Scottish Premiership title, though the champions currently trail both Hearts and Rangers by five points with seven matches remaining.
According to Football FanCast, Bellamy is content in his Wales role but would consider Celtic if the opportunity arose. The 46-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Parkhead from Newcastle United in 2004-05, scoring nine goals in 15 games and winning the Scottish Cup, his first major trophy. Aaron Ramsey has described Bellamy as “exceptional” in his current managerial capacity.
Bellamy joins an increasingly crowded field of candidates. Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou remains on the shortlist, while Robbie Keane had previously emerged as a frontrunner. The Republic of Ireland international has won league titles with Ferencvaros and Maccabi Tel Aviv and possesses European competition experience that neither Askou nor Bellamy can match.
Keane’s path to Celtic may have cleared following Tottenham’s appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, removing a potential alternative destination. The 45-year-old was previously considered a “dark horse” for the Spurs position.
O’Neill’s long-term future remains uncertain. While his appointment was intended as temporary, Celtic’s board might reconsider if the Northern Irishman somehow orchestrates an unlikely title recovery from the current deficit.