“Celtic is not like managing any other club out there,” Chris Coleman

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The Celtic Star

·08 de abril de 2026

“Celtic is not like managing any other club out there,” Chris Coleman

Chris Coleman has cast doubt over whether Craig Bellamy is prepared to step into a role as demanding as the Celtic job…

The current Wales boss has been heavily linked with a potential move to Celtic this summer as a successor to Martin O’Neill, with a number of pundits such as Joe Ledley voicing their support for his appointment.

Despite that backing, the position would mark Bellamy’s first experience as a club manager, having previously served as an assistant to Vincent Kompany at Burnley before taking charge of the national side.

Vídeos OneFootball

Chris Coleman – who worked with Bellamy during his time in the Wales setup, has expressed reservations – suggesting that a role of such magnitude may not be the right starting point for his managerial career.

Speaking via Glasgow Times, Coleman said: “I don’t know what’s next for Craig. His first job away from being Vincent Kompany’s assistant at Burnley was the Welsh national job… international football management and club football management are completely different things.

Craig Bellamy of Celtic rides a tackle from Neil McFarlane of Hearts during the Tennents Scottish Cup Semi Final between Hearts and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 10 2005. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

“I know there are rumours around Celtic, but managing Wales and managing Celtic are two completely different jobs. Completely different. Managing Celtic is not like managing any other club out there, because that is an institution up there. If that was your first club job… I’m not sure.”

Coleman has indicated he would prefer the 46-year-old to remain in charge of Wales and focus on guiding the national team to a major tournament, following their recent World Cup play-off disappointment after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia.

Craig Bellamy, Head Coach of Wales speaks to the media during a press conference at Wembley Stadium on October 08, 2025. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

He added: “For Craig, I’d like to see him stay with Wales and qualify for a tournament. That should be his ambition… I hope he stays on in that role, and if he does qualify for a tournament with Wales, that’s another two years under his belt as a manager.”

“Maybe then you can talk about clubs like Celtic. But it’s not an easy job up there, I promise you that… certainly for someone who hasn’t experienced managing at club level.”

“To put him in the conversation for a club like Celtic, I’d first like to see him qualify with Wales and have a good campaign.”

Craig Bellamy of Celtic during the Tennents Scottish Cup Semi Final between Hearts and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 10 2005. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

“Then he might be ready… right now he’s 18 months to two years in – for Wales’ sake, and also for Craig’s sake, I’d like to see him stay for just one more campaign.”

Conor Spence

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