No McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's their manager states he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his squad's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club
McKenna described Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been any of those discussions," the London-born former Irish youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my concentration is this week.
"I possess a special position here at a special club. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."
Background and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."
The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales forward is minded to finish the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their World Cup group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition performance, even if they not finish as their group runners-up.
Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Key Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies having talks with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager concentrated on international qualification
- Both managers linked with Celtic position
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers
