Full Breakdown
Craig Bellamy expands Wales coaching staff ahead of Nations League campaign
9/8/2026, 1:17:41 PM
New assistant appointments
Former Wales captain Ashley Williams and former Swansea City head coach Alan Sheehan have been added to Craig Bellamy’s backroom team as assistant coaches for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. Williams, a UEFA A Licence holder, joins in his first senior coaching role after working with several Wales age-group camps. Sheehan, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, returns to the Wales set-up following his 2025 spell as Swansea City’s head coach and earlier assistant roles at Swansea, Southampton and Luton Town.
Coaching staff reshuffle
The appointments come after James Rowberry stepped down from the Wales coaching staff for work commitments, a change announced by the Football Association of Wales. The FAW thanked Rowberry for his contributions to the men’s national team and the FAW Coach Education programme. Andrew Crofts will remain on the staff, having recently taken a position as assistant head coach at Tottenham Hotspur under Robert De Zerbi.
Upcoming Nations League schedule
Wales’ League A group features Portugal, Norway and Denmark. The campaign is scheduled to begin with away fixtures against Portugal and Denmark, followed by two home matches at the Cardiff City Stadium. The first home game is slated for Thursday 1 October against Norway, and the second for Sunday 4 October versus Denmark. Ahead of the September/October fixtures, Bellamy will announce his squad at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday 15 September.
Background of the appointees
Williams earned 86 caps for Wales and captained the side during its run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals. As a central defender, he retired from playing in 2022 and has since pursued coaching qualifications. Sheehan made more than 400 appearances in the English Football League and was capped five times for the Republic of Ireland U21s. His managerial experience includes two interim spells and a full-time head-coach role at Swansea City in 2025, before his dismissal in November of that year when the club sat 18th in the Championship.
FAW statement on the changes
The FAW confirmed the staffing changes, expressing confidence that the new assistants will strengthen the coaching set-up ahead of a “exciting” Nations League campaign against some of Europe’s top sides. The association highlighted the blend of recent playing experience and coaching credentials that Williams and Sheehan bring to the Wales national team.
