NEW Wales coach Craig Bellamy is close to finalising his coaching team, which will include his former international team-mate and now Brighton first-team coach Andrew Crofts.
Former Newport County head coach James Rowberry, who now works for the Football Association of Wales (FAW), is set to join Bellamy’s staff, having worked with the former Wales captain during his tenure at Cardiff City’s academy.
Bellamy, who was appointed Wales head coach in July following the sacking of Rob Page in June, is also aiming to secure the return of former England goalkeeping coach Martin Margetson – but that deal could take a little longer to finalise.
There will be no place in the senior squad for Chris Gunter, one of Page’s assistant coaches, but the former 109-cap defender is expected to feature in Wales’ age-grade teams.
Page’s other assistants Alan Neill and Jack Lester have also left, while Margetson’s return signals the end of his tenure as successor to Wales goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts.
Other members of the backroom staff – including those in the medical, analysis and fitness departments – are also expected to remain there.