Bellamy's Burnley link puts Wales in hard position - Blake

What the report says

Former Wales striker Nathan Blake says the collapse of Craig Bellamy’s expected move to Burnley has left the Wales men’s team in a difficult position ahead of their Nations League A campaign, BBC Sport Football reports. Bellamy, who is in the third year of a four-year contract with the Football Association of Wales, had appeared close to taking the Burnley head coach role in the summer before the move fell through. He is set to remain in charge of Wales for upcoming matches against Portugal, Denmark and Norway between September and November.

Blake suggested the uncertainty could affect how Bellamy is viewed by players after he first indicated he would stay with Wales rather than pursue club offers, only for the Burnley link to emerge soon after. The BBC report says he questioned whether the same level of trust and respect can be expected after that sequence of events. Former Wales international Nia Jones also said Bellamy now has work to do to rebuild relationships, while noting the attraction of leading Wales at a home European Championship in the future.

The situation comes as Wales seek to recover from a run that includes a winless stretch in 2026 and a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup qualifying. Since Bellamy’s Burnley move fell through, several backroom staff have also left the FAW for other jobs. Wales open their Nations League campaign in Lisbon against Portugal on 24 September, followed by a trip to Denmark and then home fixtures against Norway and Denmark.