• Craig Bellamy has finished his second year as Wales boss following a 2-1 friendly defeat to Romania
• The former striker has won eight of his 20 matches in charge since taking over in July 2024
• Wales earned promotion to Nations League A but suffered World Cup play-off disappointment
• Bellamy has given senior debuts to seven new players as he rebuilds the squad
• The team faces difficult tests against Portugal, Norway and Denmark later this year

Wales ended Craig Bellamy’s second year in charge with a painful loss in Bucharest. The 2-1 defeat to Romania came in a friendly match and showed the work that still lies ahead for the Red Dragons.

Bellamy started the job in July 2024 after Robert Page left. Since then, the team has played 20 matches. They have won eight, drawn seven and lost five. This gives Bellamy a win rate of 40%.

The start was excellent. Bellamy became the first Wales manager to avoid defeat in his first four games. The team went on a nine-match unbeaten run that included a 1-0 victory over Montenegro. This success helped Wales move up to Nations League A.

However, the mood has changed. Wales lost a World Cup play-off semi-final to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties. This defeat ended their dream of reaching back-to-back World Cups for the first time ever. They have also lost to Belgium twice, plus Canada and England in friendly matches.

Bellamy’s record compares well with some past managers. Chris Coleman, who led Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, won 39% of his games. Ryan Giggs and Gary Speed both had 50% win rates. Robert Page, the only Wales boss to manage at two major tournaments, won 33% of his matches.

Under Bellamy, Wales have scored 34 goals and conceded 24. The team has not beaten any opponent ranked above them in the FIFA rankings.

The manager has focused on building a bigger squad. He has used 37 different players and handed first caps to seven newcomers. These include Karl Darlow, Dylan Lawlor, Ronan Kpakio, Kai Andrews, Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies and Cameron Congreve. The goal is to prepare a strong team for Euro 2028 qualifying.

Defender Connor Roberts returned from injury against Romania. He said the team is moving forward but must improve. “We are progressing and learning,” he stated. “We just have to sharpen up in areas and stay focused for the whole match.”

The road ahead looks hard. Wales will play Portugal, Norway and Denmark in Nations League A later this year. All three teams are ranked higher than Wales.

Bellamy has refused offers from clubs to stay with the national team. He says he remains excited about the project. “We are definitely very different now,” he said after the Romania match. “There is a lot I like, but we need to be better in certain areas. That will allow us to compete with the top teams.”

With two years left on his contract, Bellamy knows the next tests will decide if Wales can return to the top level of international football.

• Wales lose 2-1 to Romania in a friendly clash at the Stadionul Steaua
• Craig Bellamy criticises slow ball movement and lack of penetration in the final third
• Defeat extends Wales’ run without a victory to four matches in 2026
• David Brooks scores the consolation but admits the performance was not good enough
• Wales prepare for a difficult Nations League A campaign against Portugal, Denmark and Norway

Craig Bellamy has demanded higher standards from his Wales squad after they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Romania in a friendly international.

The Welsh side fell to goals from Florinel Coman and Adrian Rus in Bucharest. David Brooks found the net for the visitors in the 63rd minute, but it was not enough to prevent Gheorghe Hagi from securing his first victory as Romania manager since his appointment in April.

Bellamy could not conceal his frustration following the final whistle. The result means Wales have still not claimed victory in an away friendly match since 2008.

“Disappointing,” the Wales manager stated during his post-match press conference. “We showed some positive moments, but the negatives were too many. We simply must improve.”

He highlighted specific tactical concerns about his team’s approach on the pitch. “We did not create enough opportunities in the final third. Our build-up play was too deep and slow. We need to break lines and attack the defence more regularly.”

Wales dominated possession with 57 per cent of the ball and registered nine shots on target. However, Ethan Ampadu, Brennan Johnson and substitute Lewis Koumas all wasted clear chances to score.

The loss extends Wales’ poor form to four matches without a win in 2026. Their last victory came in November when they defeated North Macedonia 7-1.

Attention now turns to the Nations League A later this year. Wales will compete against Portugal, Denmark and Norway in a challenging group.

Goalscorer Brooks echoed his manager’s concerns. “We were not good enough,” he told BBC Match of the Day Wales. “We kept possession well, but we did not make enough penetrating passes. We must be miles better when the Nations League begins.”

• Wales travel to Bucharest for a friendly clash with Romania on Saturday evening (18:45 BST)
• Manager Craig Bellamy faces Gheorghe Hagi, the star who broke Welsh hearts during 1994 World Cup qualifying
• The Dragons have not won an away friendly for 16 years, with their last victory coming in 2008
• Defenders Ben Davies and Connor Roberts return to the squad after lengthy injury lay-offs
• Wales use this match to prepare for their upcoming Nations League A campaign against Portugal, Denmark and Norway

Craig Bellamy still remembers the pain. At age 14, he watched Romania crush Wales’ dreams of reaching the 1994 World Cup. Now, more than 30 years later, the Wales manager has a chance for payback against the same man who caused that childhood heartbreak.

Gheorghe Hagi, who netted three times against Wales during those 1994 qualifiers, returns to the dugout as Romania boss. The legendary playmaker will lead the Tricolorii in Bucharest for the first time during his second spell in charge.

“Hagi left a massive mark on our country,” Bellamy explained. “I first saw him around 1992 or 1993. They beat us 5-1 here in Bucharest. I watched from home. He was an incredible talent. Then they came to Cardiff and he scored again. They broke our hearts. We watched them go to the World Cup while we stayed home.”

The Welsh camp arrives in Romania desperate to fix their poor record in summer fixtures. Bellamy’s side drew 1-1 with Ghana in Cardiff earlier this week. However, their problems extend to away friendly matches. The Red Dragons have failed to win any of their last 16 friendly matches on foreign soil. Their last success came back in November 2008, when Bellamy himself scored the winner against Denmark in Brondby.

“Our friendly record does not look good,” the boss admitted. “We have not won away since 2008. We must do better. If we want to raise expectations and demand more from ourselves, we need stronger results.”

This fixture offers one final test before Wales begin their Nations League A group against Portugal, Denmark and Norway later this year. Captain Ethan Ampadu says the team must use this match to build confidence.

“Our focus this June has been to raise our levels,” the Leeds United midfielder stated. “We want better performances. We must learn from past errors and correct them. We need momentum before the important matches ahead.”

Bellamy confirmed that Cardiff City centre-back Dylan Lawlor will miss the trip. The defender suffered a knee injury during the Ghana match and could not recover in time. However, the Wales boss received better news regarding his full-backs. Ben Davies returns after an ankle injury kept him out since January. Connor Roberts is also available following an Achilles problem that ruined his entire 2025-26 season with Burnley.

• Celtic chiefs have held positive discussions with former striker Robbie Keane about the manager’s job.
• Club shareholder Dermot Desmond will meet interim boss Martin O’Neill within 24 hours to discuss his future role.
• O’Neill could stay as manager on a short deal or move to an advisory position if he declines the top job.
• Wales manager Craig Bellamy remains on the club’s wishlist despite his public commitment to his national team.
• Celtic hope to appoint a new boss before pre-season training begins.

Celtic Football Club have opened formal talks with Robbie Keane regarding their vacant managerial position. The Scottish giants are searching for a permanent boss after recent changes in the dugout.

Club shareholder Dermot Desmond plans to speak with interim manager Martin O’Neill before the end of this week. He wants to know if the 74-year-old wishes to continue in the role. If O’Neill agrees, the club may offer him a short-term contract. However, if he prefers not to take the job permanently, Celtic could offer him a position in their football operations department or as a consultant.

Keane, who played for the Glasgow club as a forward, recently left his post at Hungarian side Ferencvaros. He is now a free agent and available for immediate appointment. Reports suggest he wants to build a coaching team that includes Stephen Glass, Scott Brown, and Jonny Hayes if he gets the position.

The former Republic of Ireland international has built an impressive managerial record in recent seasons. He guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli Premier League title and Toto Cup in 2024. He then moved to Ferencvaros and won the Hungarian championship in 2025, plus the Magyar Kupa, before his departure last month.

Celtic also maintain interest in Craig Bellamy, the current Wales national team boss. Bellamy stated on Monday that he remains fully committed to his role with Wales as they prepare for Euro 2028 qualifiers. He turned down several club approaches earlier this year to focus on international duty. However, the Scottish club may still test his interest in the coming days.

O’Neill returned to Celtic Park twice last season and helped secure a domestic double. The club values his experience but understands he may wish to step away from frontline management.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has also been mentioned as a possible candidate. However, his involvement in this summer’s World Cup makes him an unlikely choice. The club wants a manager in place before players return for pre-season preparations.

• Lewis Koumas nets first Wales goal in 1-1 friendly draw with Ghana in Cardiff
• Craig Bellamy plans to use the Liverpool talent as a centre-forward despite his usual wing role
• Wales lack striking options but possess many wingers, prompting positional switch
• Koumas, 20, recently helped Hull City win Championship play-off final on loan
• Wales face Romania next while Ghana prepare for World Cup campaign

Wales manager Craig Bellamy believes Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas can solve the national team’s striker shortage. The 20-year-old scored his maiden international goal on Tuesday night to secure a 1-1 draw against Ghana at Cardiff City Stadium.

Koumas has mainly played on the left flank during his short career. However, Bellamy sees the player’s future through the middle as a number nine. The Wales boss explained that the squad lacks genuine centre-forwards but has plenty of wide options.

“We do not have many strikers coming through our system,” said Bellamy. “We have many brilliant wingers instead. Koumas could help us out wide, but he has looked electric in training as a centre-forward.”

The Liverpool academy graduate spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull City. He helped them earn promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs. Earlier loan spells at Birmingham City and Stoke City saw him operate mostly on the wing.

Wales boasts several speedy wide players including Daniel James, Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson, David Brooks and Sorba Thomas. This wealth of options convinced Bellamy to try Koumas in a central role.

“He needs to be a bit tidier with his play, but that is normal for his age,” Bellamy added. “I see him as a future star for Wales. He will have a big impact, and I am delighted he got his goal tonight.”

The result leaves Wales preparing for another friendly against Romania on Saturday. They failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March.

Ghana, meanwhile, will compete at the World Cup in a group containing England, Croatia and Panama. Bellamy warned that their opening match against Panama could decide their tournament fate. He praised their counter-attacking speed and mentioned the quality of players like Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo who missed the Wales match.

• Craig Bellamy commits to staying as Wales boss until 2026 despite interest from Celtic and Burnley
• The manager targets success at Euro 2028, where Wales will host matches on home soil
• Bellamy believes four years is the ideal length for any international coach
• He admits missing daily club football but values the full support he receives from the Welsh FA

Craig Bellamy has stopped rumors about his future by confirming he will stay as Wales head coach. The former striker had been linked with jobs at Scottish club Celtic and English side Burnley.

Speaking before a friendly match against Ghana, Bellamy made it clear that his full focus remains on the national team. He wants to lead Wales at Euro 2028. The country will host some matches of this tournament.

“I am not going anywhere. I have two more years here,” Bellamy said firmly. He believes four years is the right time for an international manager. After that period, he feels another person should take the job.

The Wales boss admitted that he misses club football every day. However, he knew this job was different when he accepted it. He speaks every day with Noel Mooney, the chief of the Football Association of Wales. They share a very strong relationship.

Bellamy said he is completely honest with Mooney about any interest from clubs. But for now, he is happy because everything is in place for him to succeed with Wales. He receives full backing from the federation.

He also sent a message to supporters. He knows some fans do not agree with his team selections. He accepts that he cannot please everyone, but he remains fully focused on the next two years.

Wales failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing in the play-offs in March. Despite this pain, Bellamy is determined to build a strong team for the European Championship on home soil.

• Scott Parker and Burnley Football Club have ended their working relationship by mutual agreement following demotion from the Premier League.
• Assistant manager Mike Jackson will manage the team for the last four matches of the current campaign.
• The Clarets have started hunting for a new permanent manager, with Wales boss Craig Bellamy emerging as a possible candidate.

Scott Parker has stepped down as head coach of Burnley with immediate effect. The 45-year-old leaves Turf Moor after the club dropped back into the Championship.

The former England midfielder held talks with club chairman Alan Pace following confirmation of relegation on 22 April. Burnley suffered defeat against Manchester City that day, sealing their fate in the top division. Both parties agreed that a change was necessary.

Parker joined the Lancashire club nearly two years ago. He replaced Vincent Kompany and guided Burnley to the Championship title and promotion. His team earned 100 points during the 2024-25 campaign. They also set a club record with 33 matches without defeat and kept 30 clean sheets.

However, life in the Premier League proved difficult. The Clarets won only four of their 34 league fixtures this term. Their defence leaked 68 goals, the worst record in the division.

Mike Jackson, Parker’s deputy, will take charge for the remaining fixtures. His first match comes against Leeds United on Friday. Jackson previously served as caretaker boss in April 2022 after Sean Dyche’s dismissal.

The club has already begun searching for a full-time replacement ahead of the 2026-27 season. Craig Bellamy currently manages the Wales national team. He previously worked as a coach at Burnley under Kompany. The club hopes to convince him to return to Turf Moor.

Parker issued a statement thanking the board, staff, and supporters. He expressed pride in winning promotion last season. The former Fulham and Bournemouth manager wished the club success in the future.

Burnley released an official statement confirming the mutual decision. The club praised Parker’s professionalism and dedication during his tenure.

The team will compete in the second tier next season. This marks the sixth consecutive campaign where they have switched between the Premier League and the Championship.