Zero McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna says he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to completing his team's international campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only four games last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I have a special job here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Contractual Details
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think all people has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."
The coach agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
Bellamy played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to finish the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Celtic job.
Wales are currently third in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually assured of making those, thanks to a productive European competition performance, should they not end up their group runners-up.
Given his present stance, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Ipswich's manager denies any conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses dedication to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup campaign
- Each managers linked with Celtic position
- Bellamy unavailable until after tournament matches
