Tensions in Wales after Craig Bellamy transfer fails

Wales boss Craig Bellamy Bellamy has faced strain in his relationship with management, players and fans after a failed transfer to Burnley, while former teammate Iwan Roberts said Bellamy had "burned a lot of bridges" after a discussed move fell through. Bellamy, 46, has held talks with the Burnley team. But the transfer appears to have fallen through for now. Roberts said it created an awkward situation for Bellamy and the Football Association of Wales (FAW). "The association and FAW CEO Noel Mooney know that Bellamy is looking for another job and is considering going to Burnley," Roberts said. "The big question is whether they will keep him as national team manager. He has lost the love and confidence of his fans. And I think he burned a lot of bridges.” Bellamy was Vincent Kompany's assistant at Burnley between 2022 and 2024 and had a brief stint as manager. As a care manager Burnley have approached FAW to appoint Bellamy as successor to Scott Parker, who was sacked in April. This failure was not related to compensation from FAW, as negotiations over Bellamy's staff joining him at Turf Moor were a point of contention. Bellamy has previously played for Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester City and West Ham and has been appointed as Wales boss in 2024 on a contract until 2028. He has expressed ambitions to lead Wales to Euro 2028, which will be held in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. But Roberts believes Bellamy's links to the Burnley position could affect his relationship with players and fans. “The player knows he will go to Burnley if the opportunity arises,” Roberts said. “This is after he said it was the best job in the world and he is looking forward to leading Wales to the next Euros. Next week will be very interesting.” Gareth Bale says losing Bellamy will be a huge loss for Wales. While another former Wales player, Malcolm Allen, said on BBC Radio Cymru that he was glad the international boss would remain with the team while the Euros arrived in the next two years. Allen understands why Bellamy was drawn to the job at Burnley. But he acknowledged that this situation was 'Inconvenient situation' "The problem is, when he comes back with his tail between his legs because he didn't get the job at Burnley, how will the Wales fans react?" Allen said. "There will be some who were disappointed after we failed to qualify for the World Cup thinking, 'Why did we allow him to come back?' The financial situation was that FAW didn't have much money after we missed the World Cup. So he had to make his fans happy. Those can come back. And the only way to do that is to win games.”