No McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's their manager states he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is committed to completing his team's World Cup campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only four games last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.
"I have not had such conversations," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I have a special position here at a special team. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."
Context and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "I don't think everyone has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
The coach signed a fresh four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, 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 role like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
Bellamy's Position
Bellamy played for the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to finish the current global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition performance, even if they not end up Group J second place.
Considering his present position, Bellamy, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until following the play-offs at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Kieran McKenna refutes any conversations with Celtic
- The coach stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager focused on international qualification
- Each managers linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy not free until post tournament qualifiers