Craig Bellamy set to stay with Wales as talks over Burnley return collapse | OneFootball

Burnley’s bid to appoint Wales boss Craig Bellamy as their new manager appears to have collapsed.

The Championship club had identified the former Liverpool and Manchester City forward as their preferred choice to succeed Scott Parker, who departed Turf Moor after their relegation from the Premier League was confirmed in April.

While the Clarets were thought to be in advanced discussions with the 46-year-old and the Football Association of Wales, Bellamy is now understood to be remaining with the national team.

The reasons behind the breakdown in negotiations are not known, and neither Burnley nor the FAW offered comment when contacted.

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Craig Bellamy (left) previously worked alongside Vincent Kompany at Burnley (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire)

Bellamy previously worked at Turf Moor as assistant to Vincent Kompany. The former Wales captain still has two years remaining on his FAW contract and recently made comments that appeared to commit his future to the role.

Bellamy was appointed Wales manager in July 2024 and began in impressive fashion with a nine-game unbeaten run and promotion to Nations League A.

However, Wales failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup after losing a penalty shoot-out in their play-off semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. Wales have failed to win any of their three matches since that loss.

Bellamy now looks set to lead Wales into their qualifying campaign for Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

His overall record as Wales boss stands at eight wins, six draws and six losses from 20 matches.

Burnley may now have to turn their attention elsewhere as they plan for life back in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

The EFL fixtures for the 2026-27 season were released on Thursday at midday, with Burnley set to host West Ham on the opening weekend of the campaign.

Burnley will be aiming to get promoted straight back to the Premier League after a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw them pick up just 22 points from their 38 matches.

However, over a month on from the Premier League season concluding, they are still without a manager, and now look set to miss out on Bellamy.