Craig Bellamy in Running to be New Celtic Manager After Latest Parkhead Twist

Craig Bellamy remains a strong contender for the vacant Celtic manager position following Brendan Rodgers' recent resignation, despite his public commitment to Wales. The Welsh national team boss, who enjoyed a loan spell at Parkhead in 2005, has been endorsed by former teammates and colleagues as the ideal candidate to replace Rodgers, with Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney currently in interim charge.[1]

Bellamy's name has surged in speculation after friends like Joe Ledley called him a "perfect fit" for the Scottish champions, while Ross Wallace, who played alongside him at Celtic and later worked at Burnley's academy, insisted the 46-year-old "ticks all the boxes."[1] This comes amid Celtic's ongoing challenges, including a fan ban on the Green Brigade over alleged assaults and a European defeat to Midtjylland.[1]

However, Bellamy has repeatedly downplayed the links, emphasizing his focus on Wales' World Cup qualifying playoffs in March and his contract running through Euro 2028. "I love what I’m doing at this present moment, I’m completely focused on what’s to come," he stated, adding that the Celtic job is "not on my radar."[2][3][4] Preparing for qualifiers against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia, Bellamy prioritizes national team success, including a "massive" Euro 2028 campaign hosted in the UK and Ireland.[1]

Despite his vows, insiders suggest a "Parkhead twist" keeps Bellamy in the frame, with his playing history and coaching style aligning perfectly with Celtic's demands. Bellamy also praised Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy for developing Welsh talent that benefits the national side, highlighting four Bluebirds in the latest squad.[2] While Bellamy rules himself out for now, the door may not be fully closed, fueling ongoing intrigue at Celtic.[1][2]

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