Arabic version: آشلي ويليامز ينضم إلى الجهاز التدريبي لمنتخب ويلز بقيادة بيلامي

According to BBC News, former Wales captain Ashley Williams has joined Craig Bellamy’s coaching staff as the national side prepares for Nations League A fixtures against Portugal, Denmark and Norway. Williams, 42, made his Wales debut in 2008 and won 86 caps, captaining the team for more than half of his appearances.

The former Everton and Swansea City centre-back led Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, where they faced Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Bellamy has described Williams as Wales’ “greatest captain” of the modern era and said the addition of Williams and fellow new coach Alan Sheehan would bring “a different dynamic” to the setup.

Williams replaces James Rowberry, who has chosen to focus on his role with Mark Robins at Stoke City, while Piet Cremers left in July to join Belgium’s Club NXT. Bellamy said he enjoyed interviewing candidates during the summer and believed new voices could bring different strengths and a fresh perspective to the staff.

Former Wales teammate Sam Vokes said Williams would immediately command respect in the dressing room because of his leadership and experience of playing in demanding away environments. Bellamy said Williams’ football knowledge was high and that he would be able to draw on the former defender’s perspective when discussing defensive situations with players.

Football Association of Wales chief football officer Dave Adams said Williams could offer “unique skills” when Wales need to defend extensively in Nations League A matches. Sheehan, 40, is also expected to provide detail on restarts and set-pieces, an area Adams said could be decisive across Wales’ next six games.