Margetson returns to Wales staff after England exit

Martyn Margetson helped England reach two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final

Martyn Margetson has joined Craig Bellamy’s new-look Wales coaching staff having left his role as England goalkeeper coach.

Margetson will serve as Wales goalkeeper coach under Bellamy having previously held the post between 2011 and 2016, first under Gary Speed and then Chris Coleman.

The 52-year-old Welshman spent eight years with England having joined Gareth Southgate’s staff in 2016.

His exit was announced by the Football Association last week, with a new coaching team in place under interim boss Lee Carsley following Southgate’s resignation as England manager in July.

Margetson played for the likes of Manchester City, Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City, and was capped by Wales at senior level.

He is currently Championship club Swansea City’s head of goalkeeping - a role which will remain unchanged - having previously coached at Cardiff, West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Everton.

Margetson was on the Wales staff during the memorable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, which he describes as "one of the best experiences of my career".

“I’m looking forward to working with the current group of goalkeepers and the wider squad, having worked with several of the players previously, and I hope my experience will be able to help bring success to the team,” Margetson said.

Margetson replaces Tony Roberts as Wales goalkeeper coach.

His return means Bellamy’s backroom team is complete, following the appointments of Andrew Crofts, James Rowberry, Piet Cremers and Ryland Morgans.

“When I looked at the group of new coaching staff, there’s a lot of experience of high-level club football but not of international football, which Martyn brings with him,” Bellamy said.

“The experience isn’t only of international football, but of reaching the final stages of tournament football. That experience and knowledge will be a huge benefit and getting him involved was a no-brainer.”

Wales play their first game under Bellamy on Friday, 6 September, when Turkey come to the Cardiff City Stadium in the Nations League.

Bellamy was named Wales head coach in July following the departure of Rob Page in June.