Alan Sheehan has expressed a strong ambition to return to a head coaching role after joining the Wales national football team’s backroom staff in September. The former Swansea City manager, who now serves as an assistant and attacking set-piece coach under Wales manager Craig Bellamy, said his time working alongside Bellamy has rekindled his desire to lead a club again.

Sheehan, 40, emphasized that his goal is to secure a head coach position where he feels aligned with the club’s owners and sporting directors. He acknowledged the importance of timing and fit in choosing his next role, stating that while opportunities have arisen, he is waiting for the right project to pursue. "You have to get the feel of when it’s right, it’s right," he said, highlighting the significance of trust and shared vision.

Sheehan’s tenure at Swansea ended unexpectedly last season despite a respectable record of 16 wins and 12 defeats in 39 games. Reflecting on that period, he described his stint as interim head coach as a time to do what was necessary for the club without rushing into further opportunities prematurely. “It was important to reflect, see what I learned and carry that forward rather than jump into the wrong job,” he explained.

Working closely with Bellamy has given Sheehan insight into the former Liverpool and Manchester City striker’s approach, which is marked by high standards, intensity, and a culture of candid dialogue. Sheehan noted Bellamy’s openness to honest opinions and the absence of tolerance for “yes-men” within the squad. “We have healthy debate, but once he makes the decision, everybody gets right behind it 100 percent,” he said.

During a recent international break, Wales played four matches in ten days, including two against Denmark and games against Norway and Portugal. Sheehan was responsible for managing the team’s set-piece strategies and highlighted their importance in international football, where limited training time makes such details critical. He praised the players’ commitment to the tactical clarity and intensity demanded by the coaching staff.

Prior to his international role, Sheehan spent time studying coaching and operational methods across European clubs in Austria, Sweden, Belgium, and Germany. Eager to enhance communication in increasingly multicultural teams, he has begun learning German and is considering additional languages. He described this ongoing development as part of his effort to connect more effectively with players on a personal level.

Looking ahead, Sheehan said his current focus is on improving as a coach and leader to meet the demands of modern football and be prepared for future opportunities. “When the right project comes along, I’ll be ready to hit the ground running,” he stated.