Zero McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna states he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only four games last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been such conversations," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is this week.
"I have a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Background and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a really big football club."
The coach agreed to a new four-year contract in last year and was asked about his alleged buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I tackle this job like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Position
Bellamy played for Celtic on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Wales forward is inclined to complete the ongoing global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
Wales are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually assured of making those, thanks to a productive European competition performance, should they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.
Given his current stance, Bellamy, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Points
- Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with Celtic
- The coach stresses commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Both coaches linked with the Glasgow position
- The Welsh coach not free until post World Cup matches