Craig Bellamy has revealed the list of hard-hitting ground rules implemented in the Wales changing room.
The former Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City striker was known for his no-nonsense attitude during his playing days and it appears the 45-year-old has continued the same approach at managerial level.
The now Wales boss was a studio guest on Monday Night Football as he cast an expert eye over the Magpies ahead of their 3-0 win at Leicester.
Bellamy provided fans with a fascinating insight into his managerial methods and lifted the lid on his list of non-negotiables, something he says his stars have fully bought into.
One of his forbidden rules is shirt-swapping with opponents and while it has become a regular feature in football in recent times, Bellamy explained why he has instructed his players not to do it.
“Part of the non-negotiables are no shirt swapping,” he told Sky Sports.
Asked why he has implemented the rule, Bellamy said: “Because you’ve worked too hard for that shirt. Don’t think you’re good enough to give it away. It’s not happening.
His list continued: “No badge is ever touching the floor, you give it back to the kit man. We own it, this is our kit, this is our badge.
“These players understand that and they’re with that.
“Timekeeping, mobile phones – not at dinner. So at round tables we all have to be together. One thing they have is that togetherness.
“I’m very clear that I am not a policeman,” the Wales boss added. “It’s not for me to tell you what time to go to bed. It’s not for me to be checking up. You’re responsible.
“We have that understanding, but the freedom of being able to play and the enjoyment I want you to have is the most important.
Craig Bellamy is well remembered for his deadly partnership with Alan Shearer at Newcastle“Even as a coach, the moments before a game I still can’t control because they’re out on the pitch warming up and I’m pacing round the changing room and I have to remind myself again, you have to enjoy this.”
Ironically, Bellamy fell foul of one of his own future rules when playing for Manchester City in a League Cup clash against Arsenal.
Bellamy and former Gunners’ star Jack Wilshere had been at loggerheads during the tie only for Wilshere to ask for the Welshman’s shirt after the final whistle.
But as Wilshere explained some years later, Bellamy had no plans to frame his opponent’s shirt and hang it up at his home.
“I remember Craig Bellamy, right. I played against him, I was only 16,” Wilshere recalled on an episode of former Boxer George Groves’ podcast.
“It was in the League Cup. Played away at Man City, he was horrible to me the whole game.
Bellamy now has the task of guiding Wales to World Cup 2026 qualificationPA“Anyway, after the game I wanted his shirt, ‘Can I have your shirt?’
“He gave it to me, I gave him mine, I walked off and as I turned around he’s cleaning his boots with my shirt!”
Bellamy called time on his playing career in May 2014 following a second stint with hometown club Cardiff City.
He cited ongoing pain from a backlog of injuries as to why he decided to hang up his boots after an 18-year professional career.
Bellamy said: “I guess over the years I’ve become accustomed to the pain from various injuries, but for the last three to four years I’ve been on anti-inflammatories every day.
“I’m not sure my body will think that’s a wise thing in due course, but it kept me playing for that period. However, the time has come to stand aside and say enough. My body can’t take anymore”
He was appointed Wales boss last July replacing Rob Page after coaching spells at Cardiff, Anderlecht and Burnley.
His impact was immediate, with a credible draw with Turkey followed by back-to-back Nations League victories over Montenegro.
Bellamy remains unbeaten as Wales boss with four wins and four draws from eight games including a solid start to 2026 World Cup qualifying with four points from their opening two fixtures.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘It’s not happening’ – Craig Bellamy explains banned conduct as he names non-negotiables )
Also on site :
- Last chance: 2 shows left for ‘Hadestown’ at Greeley West High School
- Knicks must fix season-long weakness in battle vs. Pistons
- Carillon and Carry On: DC Basilica’s Bellmaster Rings On After 60 Years