Craig Bellamy back at City in coaching role

Last updated : 31 December 2014 By Michael Morris

C:WindowsTempphp4000.tmpCraig Bellamy is back at City helping to bring new talent through the Academy.

Bellamy retired from playing at the end of last season after scoring City's last goal in the Premier League in the 2 - 1 defeat at home to Chelsea.

Now he's started on the road to coaching / management by working with kids aged 12 and upwards.

“Our under-12s and under-13s in particular enjoy working with Craig and he enjoys working with them,” said Academy manager James McCarthy.

“He sees their exuberance and need to learn. Craig has come in over the last few weeks and helps out with teams from under-12 to under-18. The young players have so much respect for him.

“During his first week back at the club he ran a finishing session with our under-12 and under-13 strikers, including one-on-one situations.

“In the next match one youngster scored a hat-trick against Swansea City and two of the goals came from moves Craig had worked on with him. He has been exceptional.

“Craig is working with us because he wants to become a better coach. Working with our young players and planning sessions helps him with that. He cares about the game and this football club.”