Questions have been raised whether game management on the pitch or on the sideline should have been better.

Bosnia was a case in point, with some supporters critical of the substitutions made as Wales lost control of the game – and their destiny – in a key period.

Yet, while Bellamy refused to blame the lack of depth, it was undeniably a factor.

One of Bellamy’s intentions has been to end the notion of Wales as a ”small football nation”, resonating with many in Welsh football and in keeping with ambitions that are bigger than other associations of a similar size.

But, in the here and now, Wales’ top-level player pool was not enough to cope with some key withdrawals at a crucial time.

Captain Aaron Ramsey missed the entire campaign. Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies was the side’s calm voice of experienced leadership, yet injury ruled him out of the final two regular qualifiers as well as the play-offs.

Connor Roberts had been a significant lieutenant for Bellamy having previously worked with him at Burnley but has been out for a year.

Add in defender Chris Mepham and goal threat Kieffer Moore, Wales were without 354 caps worth of experience in their squad for the play-offs.

Then there was having to try and muster the most of those out of form at club level such as Brennan Johnson, or short on minutes such as Dan James.

Wales will benefit from the development of youngsters, including Cardiff City’s Dylan Lawlor, and there is genuine excitement about a squad that – like the manager – has the ability to improve.

But cumulatively, it took a toll.