Ex-Hatter joins Wales as part of Craig Bellamy's backroom staff
New role for former Luton captain Sheehan
Former Luton promotion winner Alan Sheehan has joined Wales manager Craig Bellamy’s backroom staff ahead of this autumn’s UEFA Nations League campaign, named as assistant coach.
The 39-year-old, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, moved to Kenilworth Road back in 2016, initially on loan from Notts County, becoming a vital part of the Hatters side who finished second in League Two to win promotion back to the third tier. Named captain, he then signed permanently in the summer as Luton won the League One title, playing 135 times in total and scoring nine goals, before moving to Lincoln City in March 2020.
From there, he had a spell at Northampton Town, then becoming player-coach with Oldham Athletic, as he returned to Kenilworth Road as first team coach in 2022, but followed manager Nathan Jones to Southampton later that year, although only lasted three months on the south coast due to Jones being sacked.
Sheehan was then named as one of two assistant head coaches at Swansea City in June 2023 to Michael Duff, appointed caretaker head coach when he departed. The former Ireland U21 international returned to his role when Luke Williams took over, but was then placed in temporary charge once more during February 2025, his stint extended until the end of the season after masterminding seven straight wins.
Signing a three year contract in April 2025, the former Leeds youngster was dismissed in November following a poor start, but is now working in international football, joining ex-Swansea City defender Ashley Williams in accepting the role. A statement on Wales’ official website said: “Alan Sheehan and Ashley Williams will be joining Craig Bellamy’s coaching staff ahead of this autumn’s UEFA Nations League campaign as Assistant Coaches.
“Sheehan, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, was Swansea City’s Head Coach in 2025 after two periods as Interim Head Coach and has previously held roles as Assistant Coach at Swansea City, Southampton and Luton Town. As a player, Sheehan made over 400 appearances in the English Football League and was capped five times for Republic of Ireland U21s.
“The appointments follow James Rowberry stepping down from his role in the coaching staff due to work commitments. The FAW would like to thank Rowberry for his work with the Cymru Men’s National Team and the FAW Coach Education programme and wishes him the best for the future.
“Andrew Crofts will be remaining in his role as Assistant Coach following his recent appointment at Tottenham Hotspur as Assistant Head Coach to Robert De Zerbi. Craig Bellamy’s side face an exciting UEFA Nations League campaign against some of Europe’s top sides in League A, having been drawn against Portugal, Norway and Denmark. The campaign starts away to Portugal and Denmark before two home matches at the Cardiff City Stadium against Norway (Thursday 1 October) and Denmark (Sunday 4 October).”