Zero McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's their manager declares he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales national team manager the former striker is dedicated to seeing out 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 The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only four games last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those discussions," the English capital native ex- Irish young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I have a unique position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think all people has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
McKenna agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Position
The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to complete the current World Cup campaign, a position that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in November would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition campaign, should they not finish as Group J second place.
Given his present stance, Bellamy, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Key Points
- Ipswich's manager refutes having conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup campaign
- Both coaches connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until after tournament matches
