No McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his squad's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they won just four games last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those discussions," the London-born former Irish youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my focus is this week.
"I have a unique position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive football club."
The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his reported ÂŁ5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Wales forward is minded to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Celtic job.
Wales are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, should they not end up their group second place.
Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the minimum.
Key Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes dedication to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager focused on international campaign
- Both coaches connected with Celtic vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post tournament qualifiers
