No McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna states he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his team's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described 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 Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Irish youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is this week.
"I have a unique position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Everything external hasn't touched my radar."
Background and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about these. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a massive sports organization."
The coach agreed to a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy played for Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales striker is minded to finish the current World Cup qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
Wales are presently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually assured of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they not finish as Group J runners-up.
Given his present stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager denies having conversations with Celtic
- McKenna stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on international qualification
- Each coaches connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers
