No McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic vacancy
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "zero discussions" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I have a unique position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think all people has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna signed a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
Bellamy represented Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Wales forward is inclined to complete the ongoing World Cup qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind leaders the Red Devils and runners-up Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a successful Nations League campaign, should they not finish as Group J runners-up.
Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager focused on international campaign
- Both managers linked with the Glasgow position
- Bellamy unavailable until after World Cup matches
