'Kept tabs' - Former West Brom boss dismissed after 44 days linked with new post

Former Albion boss Eric Ramsay has been linked with a potential move to the Welsh national side should Craig Bellamy depart.

The 34-year-old is yet to return to management after his shortlived role in charge at The Hawthorns at the beginning of the year.

Wales are said to be planning for potential moves in case head coach Bellamy departs for relegated Premier League side Burnley, who will face Albion in the Championship in the new season. Burnley are reported to be strongly interested in Bellamy’s services.

Welshman Ramsay was appointed as Ryan Mason’s successor on January 11 but remained in charge for a winless run of just nine matches and 44 days.

That poor run of form saw the Baggies plunge into further relegation trouble in the Championship, before former player and coach James Morrison rescued the campaign with a run to survival.

The Football Association of Wales are reported to have kept tabs on Ramsay’s progress. The coach, appointed to The Hawthorns from Minnesota United in the United States, has previously worked within the Welsh youth set-up.

He also served as assistant coach at Manchester United and in the Chelsea academy.

Ramsay, who hails from the Shropshire-Welsh border and worked in the academy and first-team at hometown club Shrewsbury earlier in his career, was highly thought of for the work he did at Minnesota before the ill-fated spell with the Baggies.

Burnley are looking to appoint a new boss to replace the sacked Scott Parker. It is said the Welsh FA are looking for £1million compensation for Bellamy’s services.

The potential shortlist to succeed Bellamy, should he depart, also includes former Swansea and Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper and recently sacked Wolves boss Rob Edwards.