No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach the former striker is committed to completing his team's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's departure on Monday.
McKenna's Position on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the Premier League 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 any of those conversations," the English capital native former Irish youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my focus is this week.
"I have a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested 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 questioned about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
The coach signed a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while 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 former Welsh forward is inclined to complete the ongoing global tournament campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually assured of reaching that stage, due to a productive Nations League performance, should they fail to end up their group runners-up.
Given his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Key Points
- Kieran McKenna denies having talks with Celtic
- The coach stresses dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager focused on international campaign
- Each managers linked with Celtic vacancy
- Bellamy not free until after tournament matches
