No McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions vacancy
Ipswich Town's their manager states he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach the former striker is committed to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.
Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on Celtic
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"I have not had any of those discussions," the English capital native ex- 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 focus is this week.
"I have a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Details
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think everyone has to go around and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a massive sports organization."
The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as while I am here."
Bellamy's Position
Bellamy played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually assured of making those, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, should they fail to end up their group second place.
Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Key Highlights
- Ipswich's manager denies any conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
- Each managers connected with Celtic vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until post tournament matches
