No Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna says he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy twelfth place in England's second tier.
"I have not had such conversations," the London-born former Irish youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.
"I possess a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Background and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."
The coach agreed to a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
Bellamy represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh forward is inclined to finish the current global tournament campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
Wales are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a successful European competition performance, even if they fail to finish as their group second place.
Given his present stance, Bellamy, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Each managers linked with Celtic position
- Bellamy unavailable until after World Cup matches
