Former Lincoln City defender Alan Sheehan has secured a new role as an assistant coach for the Wales national team. The 39-year-old will join Craig Bellamy's backroom staff ahead of their UEFA Nations League A campaign, as first reported by The Stacey West.

Sheehan's appointment comes as the Imps themselves handle a challenging start to the Championship season, sitting 19th with five points from five games and a goal difference of minus two. Their next challenge is a trip to face 24th-placed Preston North End this Saturday.

What is Alan Sheehan's coaching background?

Alan Sheehan brings significant experience to the Wales set-up. He holds a UEFA Pro Licence and has served as an assistant coach at Swansea City, Southampton, and Luton Town. His most prominent role came in April 2025 when, after two interim spells, he was appointed Swansea City's permanent head coach. He signed a three-year deal after guiding the club to five straight wins, but was dismissed in November of that year following a difficult start to the new season. Sheehan followed Nathan Jones from Luton to Southampton in November 2022, though Jones was sacked just three months later.

What was his playing career like?

As a player, Sheehan made over 400 appearances in the English Football League. He is best known for his time at Luton Town, where he initially joined on loan in 2016. He captained the side and helped them achieve successive promotions from League Two to the Championship, making 117 league appearances. He earned five caps for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s. His stint at Lincoln City was brief but memorable; he joined as a free agent in March 2020 and made his only appearance in a 3-2 win over Burton Albion at Sincil Bank. In that game, he conceded a penalty for handball, but Lucas Akins failed to convert the spot-kick. Football was suspended the following week due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Sheehan's Imps career ended shortly after. He later played for Northampton Town and combined a player-coach role at Oldham Athletic.

What does his Wales role involve?

The Football Association of Wales confirmed the move this week, stating: "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 will work alongside former Swansea and Wales defender Ashley Williams. The appointment follows James Rowberry's departure from the staff due to work commitments. Wales face a tough group against Portugal, Norway, and Denmark. Their campaign begins with away trips to Portugal and Denmark, before hosting Norway and Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium in October.

For Lincoln City fans tracking their former players, Sheehan's progress adds an interesting subplot while the full squad focuses on improving their standings position. The Imps' full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead after the international break.