Crofts to feature in Bellamy's Wales coaching team

New Wales boss Craig Bellamy is close to finalising his coaching team, which is set to include his former international teammate and now Brighton first-team coach Andrew Crofts.

James Rowberry, the former Newport County head coach who now works for the Football Association of Wales (FAW), is another poised to join Bellamy’s staff having worked with the ex-Wales captain during his time with Cardiff City’s academy.

Bellamy, who was appointed Wales head coach in July following Rob Page’s sacking in June, is also aiming to secure a return for ex-England goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson – but that deal might take a little longer to finalise.

There will be no place in the senior set-up for Chris Gunter, one of Page’s assistant coaches, but the 109-cap former defender is expected to be involved with Wales’ age-grade teams.

Page’s other assistants, Alan Knill and Jack Lester, have also departed, while Margetson’s return will signal the end for his successor as Wales goalkeeping coach, Tony Roberts.

Other members of the backroom staff – including those in the medical, analysis and fitness departments – are expected to stay.

Bellamy got to know Crofts when they played together for Wales, and he has recruited the 40-year-old having been impressed by Brighton and their progressive style of play in the Premier League under recent bosses Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter.

In May, former Norwich City and Brighton midfielder Crofts told BBC Sport Wales’ Feast of Football podcast about the influence De Zerbi – now in charge of Marseille – has had on his coaching career.

Once his appointment to Bellamy’s Wales coaching staff is confirmed, Crofts will combine the role with his job at Brighton.

The same will be true for Margetson, who combines his international work with a club role at Swansea City, having left the Wales set-up to join England in 2016.

The former Manchester City and Cardiff keeper earned praise for his work with the likes of Jordan Pickford, having been part of Gareth Southgate’s England staff for more than 100 games.

Now Southgate has departed as England boss, Margetson is available and Bellamy is keen to recruit the Welshman to his new-look backroom team.

Bellamy’s first game as Wales head coach will be a home Nations League match against Turkey on Friday, 6 September, followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later.