Simon Jordan Impressed by Craig Bellamy’s Approach Amid Celtic Links

You can probably rule Craig Bellamy out of the running to become Celtic’s next manager.

Unless there is a dramatic shift in circumstances from either Celtic or Bellamy himself, the Wales boss appears unlikely to make the move to Parkhead despite ongoing speculation linking him with the role.

While some Celtic supporters may prefer Bellamy to another frequently mentioned candidate, Robbie Keane, the former striker’s latest comments suggest he is not yet ready to return to club management.

Speaking during a recent Wales press conference, Bellamy acknowledged the interest surrounding his future but made it clear that his current focus remains on his national team duties. Although he admitted he is ambitious and eager to achieve success, he believes the timing is not right for a move.

Bellamy Addresses Celtic and Club Management Speculation

Bellamy has long been viewed by many as a potential future Celtic manager, but his latest remarks indicate that he is content to continue developing with Wales for now.

“Links now? I don’t know. I understand it. I don’t look too far into it; that’s the honest truth. I love what I have here.

“Wales gave me this opportunity when one or two might not have. I was conscious because I hadn’t managed before. The word temperament gets used a lot. What’s he going to be like? Is he going to explode? I understand a lot of it.

“I am ambitious, trust me. I am ambitious. I want to earn loads and loads of money, but there is a time. Now at this present moment, it doesn’t feel like that time.”

Bellamy’s comments came after reports linked him with several club vacancies, including Celtic and Burnley.

Speaking on talkSPORT, presenter Jim White highlighted Bellamy’s stance and the growing belief that Celtic’s managerial search has narrowed to Robbie Keane and Martin O’Neill.

“Interestingly, Bellamy has reiterated his commitment to Wales after revealing he has rejected job offers from club sides.

“He was heavily linked to replace Scott Parker at Burnley. Then there was the school of thought that he would very much be in the running at Celtic, which is now seemingly down to two, between Robbie Keane and Martin O’Neill.”

Simon Jordan Praises Bellamy’s Maturity

Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan was particularly impressed by Bellamy’s response, praising the former forward’s self-awareness and long-term outlook.

“I think he comes across brilliantly in that interview. I think he comes across really, really well.

“He knows the riches that are available to Premier League managers. He would want to pick his stall as he once did as a player at the very high end of the opportunity.

“He will have ambitions. He is 46. We know he has time.”

Jordan also dismissed suggestions that Bellamy risks becoming pigeonholed as an international manager.

“That’s for him to work out. If he has been linked, there is a distinct possibility that he might have got them. He himself has turned them down, so the answer to that would be no.

“He has obviously worked and got a decent grounding in working under various people in various environments. One of them is the current Bayern Munich manager. He would have picked up a lot there.”

A Future Celtic Manager?

As a player, Bellamy was known for his fiery personality and uncompromising attitude. However, his managerial career has so far displayed a more measured and mature approach.

Many within the Celtic support still believe it is only a matter of time before Bellamy is considered seriously for the Parkhead hot seat. For now, though, the Welshman appears determined to continue building his reputation with Wales.

With pressure mounting after missing out on qualification for this summer’s World Cup, Bellamy’s immediate focus will be on guiding Wales towards future international success rather than pursuing opportunities at club level.