No McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna says he has had "zero discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the second division and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.
"I have not had such discussions," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is currently.
"I possess a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Contractual Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna signed a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to finish the current global tournament qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and their rivals in November would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a successful Nations League performance, even if they not end up Group J runners-up.
Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna refutes any talks with the Scottish club
- The coach emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup qualification
- Each coaches connected with the Glasgow position
- Bellamy not free until after tournament matches
