Image source, Huw Evans Photo Agency
Newly appointed Wales manager Craig Bellamy has advised aspiring football coaches to “do their homework” before working with youth players.
The 44-year-old worked in the academies of Cardiff City and Anderlecht, before joining Burnley as assistant to Vincent Kompany and is now Wales manager.
During his time with the Bluebirds, Bellamy came under investigation following allegations of bullying, and subsequently resigned from his role as under-18s coach.
Bellamy, now head coach of the national team, said those looking to work with young players need to “be aware” and know what is acceptable.
“The message to anyone involved in coaching young people is to be aware,” Bellamy said.
“Please really do your homework on the levels you are entering and what they allow you.
“I didn’t understand and that’s why I apologized.
“There are a lot of things that I thought might sound good, but they could actually be something very important and I didn’t realize it.”
Bellamy admitted to “cheering for England in front of England players” and said he was unaware of the impact that might have.
“There was a lot I didn’t know,” Bellamy said.
-That’s not right, you can’t do that.
“I honestly thought it was just a natural thing for me. I didn’t understand how an 18-year-old English kid could feel.
“I have to be honest: there are a lot of things I saw that I should have taken into account.”
He also wasn’t sure how to deal with young players who used offensive language during games.
“I wasn’t dealing with 12, 13 or 14-year-olds, these were 17 or 18-year-olds,” Bellamy said.
“If you’re in school, then obviously you don’t swear, but I thought that after school, maybe in that environment, I could turn a blind eye, but that can’t be done.
“I have reflected on what has happened, I reflect on everything.”
