Zero McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's their manager declares he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.
Both have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team 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 London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I possess a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Background and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "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."
The coach agreed to a new four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his reported buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I approach this role like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is inclined to finish the current World Cup qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
Wales are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually assured of making those, thanks to a productive Nations League campaign, should they not finish as their group runners-up.
Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna refutes having conversations with Celtic
- McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Each coaches connected with Celtic vacancy
- The Welsh coach not free until post World Cup qualifiers
