Bellamy Relishing Welsh Top Job as Dragons Prepare to Take on Belgium
The Welsh national football team continues to defy expectations under the guidance of manager Craig Bellamy, with the team remaining undefeated after nine games – five wins and four draws. The Dragons can equal the Welsh record of 10 matches unbeaten, set under Mark Hughes between 2001 and 2003, with a win or draw in their upcoming Group J trip to Brussels to face Belgium.
According to Pink News, Bellamy, who was born in Cardiff and began his playing career in Norfolk with Norwich City, has admitted that his first 12 months in charge of the Welsh team have been the highlight of his life. "It would be a huge push [to win]. But whatever it will be, it rolls on if we get beat," said Bellamy. "But it’s going to happen. Do I live in fear of it? Not at all. I don’t live that way. I’ve had so many setbacks in my life, it’s OK. I’m still here. And I’ve actually just had the best year of my life. This has been the best."
Bellamy’s long playing career started in Norfolk, where he scored 32 goals in 84 appearances before a then club record £6.5m transfer to Coventry in 2000. The ex-Newcastle, Liverpool and Celtic striker has clearly drawn on his experiences as a player to inform his management style. "How did I get that at 45? It’s what I’ve been waiting for but, at the same time, it’s like I don’t know what’s around the corner. I don’t. But I know what I’m going to do. Enjoy everything. The good, the bad, whatever it is. Maybe I look too deep into stuff or maybe not. I try not to. But we’re here for a tiny, short time," he said.
The Welsh team has made a strong start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, taking seven points from their first three games to top Group J. In contrast, Belgium began their campaign with a 1-1 draw in North Macedonia on Friday. Bellamy has called up several young players to his squad, including Norwich City’s Elliot Myles, who was unfortunately forced to withdraw due to illness. Despite the challenges ahead, Bellamy remains optimistic about his team’s chances. "This week’s been top. And it’s been top since I’ve just loved every moment because they train, they work, they show up, and to have that is amazing. I don’t have to say, ‘that wasn’t good enough, no, we need to be sharper’. Never once have I had to. So they give you energy."
The Dragons will face a tough test against Belgium, who are ranked eighth in the FIFA world rankings. However, Bellamy sought to play down the significance of his team’s unbeaten record, saying "It’s always nice, but I don’t live waking up every morning thinking like, ‘oh, please, don’t lose this’." He added, "No. Play well. We’ve done everything we could. That’s the honest truth."
As the team prepares to take on Belgium in Brussels, Bellamy’s focus remains on the task at hand. With a talented young squad and a growing sense of confidence, the Dragons will be looking to make a statement against one of the top teams in European football. Will they be able to equal the Welsh record of 10 matches unbeaten? Only time will tell, but with Bellamy at the helm, they are certainly a team to watch.
The Pink News report that this match is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement in Group J. The outcome of the match will likely have significant implications for the team’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
The manager is clearly passionate about his role and the opportunity to lead the Welsh national team. His comments, as reported by Pink News, demonstrate his commitment to enjoying the experience and taking it one game at a time. With the team’s talented young players and Bellamy’s guidance, the future looks bright for Welsh football.
