No McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager declares he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach the former striker is committed to seeing out his squad's international campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in recent years 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 second division and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those discussions," 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 focus is currently.
"I possess a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything external hasn't touched my radar."
Context and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think all people has to go around and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna signed a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"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 remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
Bellamy played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Wales striker is minded to complete the ongoing global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from assuming the Glasgow position.
Wales are currently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, thanks to a successful Nations League campaign, even if they not end up Group J runners-up.
Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies any talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on international campaign
- Both managers linked with the Glasgow position
- Bellamy not free until post tournament qualifiers