No McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna declares he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his team's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"I have not had such conversations," the English capital native former Irish young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is currently.
"I possess a special position here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Background and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I approach this role like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
Bellamy represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to complete the ongoing World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a successful Nations League performance, even if they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.
Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Each managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy not free until after World Cup qualifiers