CRAIG Bellamy has been back to become a successful manager by his former Blackburn Rovers assistant boss Mark Bowen.

Bowen worked with Bellamy at Rovers, Manchester City and Wales, when he was part of Mark Hughes’ coaching team.

Bellamy yesterday announced his retirement as a player at the age of 34 and is now preparing to move into management.

"He wants to go into coaching and management and I'm sure he'll make a success of that," Bowen told the BBC.

"He'll go over and above what other people would do. He would want to tick all the boxes to give himself the best chance he can.

"I spoke to him when I went down to Cardiff with Stoke towards the end of the season and the first thing he said to me was 'I think I'm ready'.

"Almost a little bit tongue in cheek, I said: 'You might think you're ready, but wait until you step this side you'll quickly find out you've got a lot to learn.'

"I think he told us he's in the process of doing his Pro Licence. He wants to do that first so that gives him the ammunition, if you like, to pursue the next part of his career."