Wales and Manchester United legend Mark Hughes says Craig Bellamy’s time as an outspoken player showed he had what was needed to become a managerial hit.
Bellamy, 45, is preparing to lead Wales into 2026 World Cup qualifying having enjoyed an unbeaten start to his time in charge of the national side.
Having replaced Rob Page last summer, the 78-cap former striker has impressed in the Wales head coach role – and hopes he has proven he is not the “lunatic” he was sometimes perceived as during his playing days.
Bellamy the player was often seen as a controversial figure during a combustible career, someone who rarely shied away from offering forthright opinions.
That created doubts for some over his potential to move into the dugout – but not for Hughes.
“He always had a view in the dressing room, as you could imagine,” said Hughes, who managed Bellamy at Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City as well as with Wales.
“But it was always good insight – and when you were taking on board what he was saying, you realised he knew the game and what may have been going wrong in games.
“You knew then he could manage himself – and not a lot of players can do that. If you’re able to do that, then it helps when you become a manager on the touchline.”
