James McFadden says it was ‘tough’ for ‘passionate’ coach to opt against being Celtic’s next manager

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How quickly Celtic should bring in a replacement for Brendan Rodgers is all dependent on the current mood.

Going by Thursday, Celtic were well beaten by FC Midtjylland, so calls for a new manager to come in have increased.

Several names have been put on the table, and they have ranged from many backgrounds, from title winners, former players, to international coaches.

In the case of Craig Bellamy, he ticks the box of former player and international coach, but he won’t be the next Celtic coach.

• READ MORE: The Celtic Fans Collective ask ‘serious questions’ of the board ahead of 2025 AGM

James McFadden on Craig Bellamy not becoming Celtic’s next manager

Bellamy is in charge of Wales, and they are within touching distance of reaching the 2026 World Cup next summer.

Speaking on Open Goal, James McFadden and Gordon Dalziel spoke about how ‘tough’ it would have been for Bellamy to ignore the Celtic links and continue in his Wales role.

The former striker has made it clear that all his focus is on Wales, and nobody is blaming him because he is ‘very passionate’ for his country to do well.

Added to that, Dalziel explained how Bellamy has ‘matured unbelievably’ from his playing days when he was an all-action loudmouth and in-your-face type of player.

Dalziel: “You look at Celtic. You look at Bellamy. Already ruled himself out.”

McFadden: “That was a tough one, though. See when he was mentioned. I was like, because you know, he’s proud to be Welsh, and he is the Wales manager. 

“They have got a play-off for the World Cup. I always thought it was a difficult one.”

Dalziel: “The only thing that would have persuaded him, for me, and I totally agree with you. It just depends on how you see management. 

“Do you want to be hands-on day-to-day, or do you want to be an international manager? You are right, the fact that he has the play-off in March, and everything about Wales. 

“Do you know something, I have got to say, I have been listening to him. I thought to myself, ‘How would you go with him?’ He’s matured unbelievably. He has come on leaps and bounds. Very passionate.”