Aaron Ramsey reveals his thoughts over Craig Bellamy’s new role

Aaron Ramsey expresses his enthusiasm for the appointment of former Wales captain Craig Bellamy as his new head coach

Oscar Pick
Wednesday 07 August 2024 09:50 BST
Comments
Aaron Ramsey has spoken in support of his former teammate taking the role as head coach
Aaron Ramsey has spoken in support of his former teammate taking the role as head coach (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Craig Bellamy looks set to thrive in his new role as the head coach of Wales, having been showered with praise following a celebrated appointment last month.

The former Wales captain succeeded Rob Page as the national team’s manager on July 8, looking to establish a new, progressive style of football.

With 78 international caps, the 45-year-old is already a popular figure in the dressing room and will hope to develop existing relationships with his players over the span of a four-year deal.

Cardiff City midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who played alongside Bellamy for club and country, suspects that his new boss will only go from strength to strength.

“I’m really excited. I’ve known Craig for a number of years now and I’m absolutely delighted for him,” Ramsey told BBC Sport Wales.

Craig Bellamy was appointed Wales manager on Tuesday (Barrington Coombs/PA)
Craig Bellamy was appointed Wales manager on Tuesday (Barrington Coombs/PA) (PA Wire)

“I’m sure he’s going to be a real success. If you look at the teams he’s been involved with and the way they’ve played – on the front foot, pressing high, aggressive, controlling the game – I think Wales have got a lot to look forward to.”

Throughout his playing career, Bellamy was an accomplished and prolific striker who made ample Premier League appearances for Manchester City, Liverpool and West Ham.

Now, he looks to build on what has been a positive transition to coaching, after serving as assistant manager to former Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and Burnley.

Working closely with Bellamy at Anderlecht was Wales international James Lawrence, who has played for Nurnberg in the Bundesliga in the last two seasons.

“We could have a very relaxed chat about more personal things. If we needed any help mentally or anything like that, we could always go to him. It was a huge help for me at the time. He helped me kick on from there,” Lawrence told The Mirror.

Bellamy’s first game as Wales manager will be a Nations League home tie against Turkey on September 6, before a trip to Montenegro three days later.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in