- Former Newcastle United player linked with Championship managerial position
- Burnley reviewing future of Scott Parker
- Praised heavily by Aaron Ramsey
Reports from Ben Jacobs confirm that Scott Parker’s future at Burnley is being discussed after they suffered relegation this past week. One of the names being thrown into the hat is former Newcastle United player Craig Bellamy, who is now managing the Wales national team.
Bellamy was originally on the staff at Turf Moor under the current Bayern Munich boss, Vincent Kompany.
However, talkSPORT reveals that one of the Welshman’s former teammates, Steven Gerrard, is also in the running for the position at the soon-to-be Championship side.
Ally McCoist and Gabby Agbonlahor have discussed the possible appointment and believe it would be a solid decision by the club to appoint Gerrard.
Ex Newcastle United man Craig Bellamy linked with Burnley
Wales qualified for the World Cup in Qatar; however, before that, they had not been involved in football’s main competition since 1958.
Bellamy also helped them achieve qualification for back-to-back tournaments, but they were heartbroken, losing on penalties to Bosnia & Herzegovina at the semi-final stage.
The 46-year-old is notorious for his high-energy pressing style, which he has brought to the international stage — quite unique at that level for a nation not typically expected to dominate.
His calm approach helped the country win the first four games he was in charge of when he took over in 2024, something former Arsenal midfielder and Welsh veteran Aaron Ramsey was quick to praise.
In an interview with talkSPORT, he said: “I can’t speak highly enough of him. I think what he’s done with Wales so far has been absolutely brilliant. He’s transformed the team.
“I think the amount of detail that goes into everything with him is exceptional, really.”
While the Red Dragons didn’t qualify for this summer’s tournament, there is still tremendous belief in the project that has been built by Bellamy, with hopes of becoming regulars at both the Euros and the World Cup.
Ramsey has claimed there is so much Bellamy can achieve in his managerial career, with the possibilities for success still wide open.
The ex Arsenal man added: “He’s taken that on himself, and he’s ready for that next challenge… he’s come straight in and hit the ground running with Wales.
“I’m sure the sky is the limit for where he wants to go with his managerial career. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Magpies may also be in the market for a manager
There is no doubt that Eddie Howe is a better manager than Parker. While the Englishman has achieved great things at Turf Moor, the success Howe has enjoyed on Tyneside is on another level entirely.
However, the Lancashire outfit have shown that to make progress, they cannot persist with a manager who delivers success one season followed by regression the next.
So far, the Magpies have qualified for Europe twice under Howe and struggled the following year. A team looking to compete with Europe’s elite cannot continue to collapse under the demands of elite competition.
There have been special moments at St James’ Park under the 48-year-old, but Bellamy’s potential appointment at Burnley may be a sign that, to move forward and build on setbacks, a new figure could be key to taking that next step.
In other news, Newcastle United star Joe Willock sends emotional 11-word message to ex Arsenal teammate.
