No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his squad's international campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club
McKenna referred to Celtic as "an enormous football club" 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 English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.
"I have not had any of those discussions," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is currently.
"I possess a unique job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Contractual Details
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 questioned about those. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I know 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
The former striker played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in 2005, but the former Welsh forward is minded to complete the current global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
Wales are currently third in their qualifying group behind leaders the Red Devils and runners-up North Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive European competition performance, even if they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.
Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna denies having conversations with Celtic
- The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager focused on World Cup qualification
- Both coaches linked with Celtic position
- Bellamy unavailable until after tournament matches
