Athlone native Alan Sheehan enlisted by Wales boss Bellamy for coaching role

Former Ireland U21 defender Alan Sheehan is back in management as one of Craig Bellamy assistants at Wales. Pic: Steven Paston/PA Wire.

Former Ireland U21 defender Alan Sheehan is back in management as one of Craig Bellamy assistants at Wales.

The Athlone native knows the Welsh landscape well having managed Swansea City, initially as interim boss twice before a permanent stint that was ended by their hierarchy last November.

The 39-year-old Uefa Pro License holder, who clocked up over 400 appearances in the English Football League at, among others, Leicester City and Leeds United, held previous assistant roles at Southampton, Swansea and Luton Town.

Sheehan has been joined in the Welsh backroom team by former team captain Ashley Williams and the duo get straight to work with the start of the Uefa Nations League campaign looming. They face League A trips to Portugal and Denmark at the end of the month.

Bellamy, who was close to leaving for Burnley in the off-season, is filling vacancies created by the loss of Piet Cremers to Club Brugge’s and James Rowberry to Stoke City.

Andrew Crofts remains in his role as assistant coach following his recent appointment at Tottenham as Roberto De Zerbi’s assistant.