Bellamy interest no surprise as Wales boss tipped for success – Sorba Thomas

Sorba Thomas says it is no surprise that Craig Bellamy is attracting interest from clubs, insisting the national team boss has already transformed players’ performances.

Bellamy, in his first managerial role, guided Wales to promotion to the top tier of the Nations League, but saw hopes of reaching the World Cup ended by a play-off semi-final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.

The former Wales captain is under contract until Euro 2028, but has been linked with club roles – including a return to Celtic FC – following an impressive start to life in charge.

Thomas believes the impact Bellamy has made is clear.

“You can see how different it is and what he’s brought out of the players,” he said.

“Not just myself, but a lot of the boys. You are seeing some of the boys playing their best football.

“It’s amazing to see. I feel my game has elevated since he became involved and it’s helped me at club level as well.

“I’m not surprised that he is a man in demand. I don’t blame teams trying to nab him off us and we’ve got to try and keep him as long as possible because I feel success is going to come.”

Thomas scored his second international goal as Wales drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland in Cardiff on Tuesday, a fixture played after both nations fell short in their World Cup play-off campaigns.

Reflecting on that disappointment, he said: “It was tough for us as a team and the nation in general, but it was the same for them and other countries that missed out.

“I felt the friendly came at the perfect time as opposed to not having the game and we’re waiting too long.

“A lot of the young boys are going to take longer to get over it than more of the experienced lads, but we’ve got to know we can’t let these things happen again.”

Despite the setback, attention is already turning to what lies ahead.

Ghana

Wales will face Ghana in a summer friendly in June before returning to competitive action in the autumn, where they will compete in Nations League A against Portugal, Denmark and Norway.

Thomas said the recent disappointment could yet prove a turning point.

“With all good stories, there has to be some kind of blip at the beginning,” he said.

“This is our blip and it’s now about going into two friendlies in June with the right mindset and then the Nations League with a bit of confidence.

“We’re in League A and we’ll be playing better teams and coming up against top players.

“It will be a good experience and it’s about not having moments that we had. It’s about looking up and looking towards the future.”