Noel Mooney gives cryptic Craig Bellamy response as Burnley step up interest

The FAW chief did little to close the door on an exit for Bellamy this summer

Noel Mooney has seemingly refused to rule out the possibility of Craig Bellamy leaving his position as Wales head coach this summer.

Bellamy has emerged as a leading contender to take over at Championship side Burnley, where he’d previously served as assistant to Vincent Kompany.

The Clarets have stepped up their interest in the Welshman recently, having parted with Scott Parker in April.

Mooney has backed Bellamy to reach the very top as a coach, despite his failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

However, Mooney also suggested the former Liverpool striker might be attracted by “other opportunities”.

“Craig has been fantastic for us in terms of the football we play, and the energy we have,” he told S4C.

“But of course, we have to be aware of the fact that we are in a huge football industry, and that people have different objectives.

“In my opinion, Craig will go on to be a world-class coach.”

Mooney also echoed Bellamy’s own admission that the current head coach missed the day-to-day of club football, and appeared to leave the door open for an exit.

“He loves the rhythm and intensity of football on a day-to-day basis,” he added.

“So the problem we have always had with him is the gaps between the international windows.

“He is someone who is full of energy and lives and breathes football.

“He loves the game, he loves his country, and that shone through very clearly during his time with us – that he loves Welsh football.

“We were always open to the fact that people have personal ambition, that opportunities arise, and sometimes that someone has done something great in an organisation and then another opportunity presents itself.

“You have to be open to the fact that people can express themselves in different ways. But Craig has been special to Welsh football.

“He’s been great to work with, he’s a great coach, but more importantly for me, he’s a great person – a lovely human being.

“I have enjoyed every day so far of working with him, and, you know, whatever comes in the next few days or weeks for us and for Craig, we wish… his home is here in the Football Association, and that will always be the case.”