Bellamy unveils backroom staff

Andrew Crofts, one of four assistant coaches in Craig Bellamy's Wales setup (FAW)

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has named some of his backroom staff ahead of his first game in charge.

Andrew Crofts will work alongside his former international teammate as one of four assistant coaches named on Friday.

The ex-midfielder, who won 29 caps for his country between 2005 and 2017, was recently appointed as right-hand man to new Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler.

As a first team coach with the Seagulls, he helped them to reach the last 16 of the Europa League in their first season playing European football.

Former Newport County manager James Rowberry also joins the team, following a behind-the-scenes spell leading the FAW's elite coach education.

Bellamy is also reunited with former Manchester City analysis chief Piet Cremers, who worked closely with Pep Guardiola for four years, before helping Burnley return to the Premier League under then-boss Vincent Kompany.

Completing the appointments is Ryland Morgans, who as the FAW's former head of performance, played a role in leading Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Last month, Bellamy signed a four-year deal to succeed Rob Page as Wales manager, after his predecessor was sacked amid a poor run of friendly results, growing fan pressure and failure to qualify for this summer's Euros.

Page's assistants Chris Gunter, Alan Knill, Nick Davies and Jack Lester have all left the senior team setup - along with goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts - although the FAW says ex-defender Gunter will move onto a new role, believed to be within the age-grade teams.

Bellamy's first test as Wales boss comes when they open their latest Nations League campaign at home to Turkey on Friday 6th September, followed three days later by their first away game in Montenegro.

He said: "I’m very happy with the group of staff that we’ve been able to bring in. I’ve worked with all of them previously, either as a coach or as a player."

"As a collective I believe the balance and various expertise between us is the best we could have asked for. The work off camp has been great so far and I can’t wait for us to meet up with the players and get things started with them."

Andrew Crofts - whose Wales career spanned the Toshack, Speed and Coleman eras - said: "I’m very proud. As soon as I knew there was an opportunity to be Craig’s assistant it grabbed me straight away."

"To represent Wales as a player was incredible for me and my family, and to now represent my country as an assistant coach is an indescribable feeling."

"I’m obsessed with coaching, studying various trends in the game and bringing a team’s methodology to life, something which I can’t wait to do with this group of players and staff."

James Rowberry added: "“Being involved with our national team is something I’ve always wanted to do and to represent my country."

"I’ve known Craig for a long time, and we share the same ideas on football. Being the link to the player pathway will be a key part of my role and my previous work in that area will allow me to be the natural link as we look to showcase our young talent on the world stage.”

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