Ex-Celtic star who fought with Rangers hero is in the hunt for top EFL post after unexpected managerial appointment

Burnley is looking for a new manager following Vincent Kompany’s stunning transfer to Bayern Munich. Former Celtic striker Craig Bellamy is one of the leading candidates to succeed Vincent Kompany as Burnley’s new manager. The Clarets are currently looking for a candidate to replace Kompany following his surprise move to 33-time German champions Bayern Munich.

Frank Lampard, Scott Parker, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and even David Moyes have all been connected with the post at Turf Moor in recent weeks. However, according to reporter Alan Nixon, Bellamy’s chances of landing a permanent position are improving after being designated acting head coach on an interim basis.

Bellamy has been a part of Burnley’s backroom crew since joining as Kompany’s assistant in the summer of 2022.

He previously worked under the Belgian at Anderlecht before joining the Clarets, so he could be well-positioned to continue Kompany’s work at Turf Moor.

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Bellamy also has the advantage of knowing the club, the players, and the system on which the squad is constructed, and according to the source, he is a popular pick behind the scenes at Turf Moor. Bellamy lacks management experience, but many Burnley insiders believe he is a strong option

Bellamy joined Celtic on a six-month loan from Newcastle in 2005, following a disagreement with Magpies manager Graeme Souness, who labelled him as a ‘disruptive influence.’ The Welsh forward netted seven goals in 12 league games for Martin O’Neil’s side, including a memorable Old Firm strike against Rangers. He did not win the Premiership during his time at the club, but he did win his first piece of silverware when his team defeated Dundee United in the Scottish Cup final. Although he was renowned for being a hothead and fighting with various managers throughout his playing career, those who have worked with Bellamy, like former Aberdeen manager Neil Warnock, believe he will be a successful manager in the future.

In 2018, Warnock stated, “He has all the attributes. He has been coaching for a time. I believe he was sad that he did not receive the Welsh post.

Former Liverpool attack partner Peter Crouch added: “I know he was hot-headed as a player, but he’s mellowed a little lately. He thinks about football every day, seven days a week.

However, Lampard remains the favourite for the Burnley job. The former Chelsea and Everton manager is placed at 2/5 to win the position, ahead of second favourite Bellamy at 3/1. Lampard has been out of job since the end of the 2022/23 season, during which he won only one of his 11 games as temporary Chelsea manager.