No Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions vacancy
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his squad's World Cup campaign.
Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something 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 external hasn't touched my radar."
Background and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think everyone has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna signed a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as 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 ex- Welsh striker is minded to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers the Red Devils and runners-up Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a successful Nations League campaign, should they not finish as their group runners-up.
Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Highlights
- Kieran McKenna refutes any conversations with Celtic
- The coach stresses commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Each coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post tournament matches
