Zero McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his team's international campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna described Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those discussions," the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my concentration is currently.
"I have a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a massive football club."
McKenna agreed to a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always do my best as while I remain in position."
Bellamy's Position
Bellamy represented Celtic on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales striker is inclined to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a successful European competition campaign, should they not finish as Group J second place.
Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna denies any talks with Celtic
- McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup campaign
- Both managers connected with the Glasgow position
- Bellamy not free until after World Cup matches
