Craig Bellamy named Burnley’s acting head coach as Premier League legend edges closer to first full-time manager job

CRAIG BELLAMY will fill in as Burnley's acting head coach following Vincent Kompany's shock Bayern Munich move.

The Welsh assistant will make the step to No1 as he edges closer to his first full-time managerial role.

Bellamy's appoint appears to confirm he will not be heading to Germany as part of Kompany's backroom staff.

The pair worked together as Burnley won the Championship last year.

And despite the Clarets being relegated immediately from the Premier League, Kompany was poached by Bayern in a £10million deal on Wednesday.

Bellamy will now have the chance to prove his credentials after being given the reins at Turf Moor.

But Burnley are continuing to search for a new permanent boss as they seek a return to the top flight.

That's after they were reportedly rejected by Steve Cooper just hours after Kompany's departure.

While Scott Parker, Frank Lampard and Ruud van Nistelrooy are all said to be in the running.

A club statement read: “Following the departure of Vincent Kompany, we are actively working on our search for a permanent manager. 

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“In the meantime, the Club has placed Craig Bellamy, assisted by Mike Jackson, in the roles of Acting Head Coach and Assistant Head Coach.

“We have complete faith in Craig and Mike and believe their extensive experience and deep understanding of the Club make them the perfect candidates to lead the team at this important time.

“We will provide further updates regarding a permanent manager in due course.”

Fans had mixed reactions to the news, with one saying: "Just give them the job."

Another declared: "Appoint them permanently, they get the club."

One noted: "Lead the team? Season's over lads."

Another added: "Part of the problem, not good enough."

After retiring from playing in 2014, Bellamy swiftly moved into coaching with Cardiff.

He then linked up with Kompany for the first time in 2019 at Belgian side Anderlecht.

And the pair made the move to Burnley in 2022 before striking immediate success in the Championship.

Bellamy’s playing career started at Norwich in 1996 before spells at Coventry, Newcastle, Celtic and Blackburn.

He then spent time with Liverpool, West Ham and Man City before moving to Cardiff.

Bellamy later rejoined Liverpool before having a second spell at Cardiff.

As for his international career, the striker scored 19 goals in 78 games for Wales and even played for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics.