Craig Bellamy's start as Wales manager excites fans

Bellamy's New Beginnings Excite Wales

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Craig Bellamy made his comeback to the international scene after hanging up his boots as a player in October 2013.

Craig Bellamy was never bored as a player.

The fiery character and powerful talent, the clever humor and biting words; there was always something newsworthy, always a tale to be told.

But now, a new phase is beginning: the era of Bellamy as the manager.

Just don't anticipate it to become dull. Not based on this initial proof.

The updated version of Bellamy appears to be more experienced, more determined, more capable of expressing his love for the game and his country that has always been strong.

However, only an hour and a half into managing the team, it already feels like he has made a big impact, bringing excitement like he always did.

Bellamy was also aware of this as he made his way off the field at Cardiff City Stadium, acknowledging the fans who were filled with excitement about the team's daring spirit and determination, despite a disappointing goalless draw.

Sending love to his family sitting up in the stands, his clothes were drenched from the rainstorm that hit south Wales on Friday night. Despite the rain, the 45-year-old was also covered in sweat from giving his all during his first 90 minutes in charge.

Nonetheless, the project had begun much earlier.

New Numbers After Long Hours

Thorough had been a word used by a Welsh football official to describe how Bellamy had prepared for these Nations League matches since he took over from Rob Page.

He is currently more active and noticeable at the FAW's headquarters compared to the person who had the position before him. The ex-striker has been participating in every aspect of the preparation for his reintroduction to the organization.

Beyond the extensive analysis and strategic conversations, there was also a hands-on contribution to updating the signs in and around the team's hotel. A new tone of red was chosen to symbolize a new beginning, with important phrases from his plan for the team prominently displayed for players to see upon their arrival.

Before the camp started, there were frequent discussions with captain Aaron Ramsey and then gatherings with the rest of the team - both as a group and individually - throughout the important initial days. As Bellamy had learned from Gary Speed, the atmosphere is key.

Changes to the daily routines, like going back to practicing at the stadium and assigning carefully selected squad numbers, were important in showing that things were changing and revitalizing the team.

The instructions were given in a calm manner, allowing Bellamy to both play a round of golf and also focus on maintaining high standards, which were considered non-negotiable.

One official described the situation as feeling very urgent. The players were alert and ready to act quickly.

Many believe that it will take some time for everything to fall into place, but Wales will not be unprepared under Bellamy's leadership.

Photo credit: Huw Evans Picture Agency

Bellamy had confessed that he was preparing for the feelings of leading his country for the first time before the game began.

Sign Of A Gentleman

Certainly, everyone has a strategy until they are unexpectedly hit in the face.

Before the event, I was feeling nervous and questioning my decision. I joked afterward that I had a great life before this and wondered what I had gotten myself into. I was asked if I allowed myself to enjoy the moment, as I had promised myself.

Many supporters were surprised by the final moments before re-entering the international stage. The player, who had 78 caps for the national team, emerged from the tunnel and transitioned into a managerial role without any announcement over the loudspeaker.

Wearing jeans, a jacket, t-shirt, and brand new sneakers, he embarked on a date night that felt like fate. He chose a song that brought back memories and stirred up emotions. Singing with a mix of pain and pride, he even lowered his head at one moment.

Meeting Turkey's Italian manager Vincenzo Montella sparked a smile, followed by a surge of nerves that could only be eased by walking around the technical area before the start of the game. In the past, Montella would have sprinted onto the field, but now he channels that energy in a different way.

Limited by the boundaries of the white lines, his voice carried across the field as he called out directions and demonstrated movements with his hands, resembling a traffic conductor during busy times of day.

He would stop to give a round of applause when Wales played aggressively and put pressure on the opponent, or to listen to advice from assistant coach Piet Cremers during breaks in the game. He was always engaged and active, constantly involved. It wasn't just about watching the game, it was about actively participating in every moment.

After just 20 minutes, he finally took a seat, much quicker than the usual dramatic gestures we've seen from him while playing for teams like Newcastle and Liverpool.

However, what stood out the most was his composure in the stadium, especially when players like Ramsey had close opportunities. This allowed the coaching staff to respond quickly when the game intensified, and he remained calm instead of getting agitated when things didn't go as planned.

There were many times when you might have expected Bellamy to be in the middle of the action as things got intense, but he wisely stayed away when Montella's assistant Daniele Russo started loudly arguing about the decisions and ended up getting a yellow card.

This doesn't mean that the fourth official didn't receive many opinions from Bellamy, but only as much as some of his players did.

Passing The Torch

Brennan Johnson received a lot of guidance.

After Gareth Bale's departure, the number 11 jersey has mainly been assigned to inexperienced or young players who don't have many other choices. This time, it was given to Johnson, a player who Page had difficulty getting the best performance out of.

Bellamy guided the player through the game, treating it like a serious mission to help the former Forest man improve. As Bellamy demonstrated his techniques, you couldn't help but wonder if he longed to be back on the field himself.

Instead, he observed and accepted a transformation in Turkey's form from the sidelines and adjusted accordingly - a skill that Wales has found challenging to employ in the past few years.

It didn't result in a major breakthrough, but it could be seen as the beginning of something new.

Picture credits, Getty Images

During the preparation leading up to the game, Bellamy met with his players multiple times to give them guidance and tips for the upcoming match with his new Wales team.

"Let's Do It!"

The end of the game prompted an excited reaction from fans, as well as from referees.

"The positive improvement in Wales' performance over the last four days is impressive," remarked a member of the FAW, who is just as excited as the fans about the team's potential for even greater success in the future.

The match was intense and risky at times, but senior player Ben Davies reassured the team by saying, "We may feel nervous at times and it may not always work out, but playing cautiously won't lead to any rewards - so let's give it our all."

After the game ended and the rain started coming down, there was conversation between the players. Neco Williams didn't share the exact details of what was said, but the new manager put his arm around players' shoulders and talked to them as they walked around the field.

"The Forest defender expressed his positivity, agreeing with the manager's statement that there are even greater things on the horizon."

But maybe the important words were exchanged in the locker room before the game.

"Tottenham's Davies shared that the coach, who is a proud Welshman, has experience sitting in our position and understands the kind of effort required," Davies stated about the pre-game pep talk. "His main point was emphasizing that we are only starting our journey."

And it seems unlikely that it will be dull.