Zero McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been any of those discussions," the London-born former Irish youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is this week.
"I have a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."
Context and Agreement Details
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker represented Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Wales forward is inclined to finish the ongoing global tournament campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in next month would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive Nations League performance, should they not finish as Group J runners-up.
Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on international qualification
- Both coaches linked with Celtic position
- The Welsh coach not free until after World Cup matches
