Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is committed to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
McKenna referred to Celtic as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is currently.
"I possess a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Background and Contractual Details
Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna signed a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this job like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in 2005, but the former Wales striker is minded to complete the current World Cup campaign, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
Wales are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a successful European competition campaign, even if they not finish as Group J second place.
Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies having talks with Celtic
- The coach emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Each coaches connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers