No McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna declares he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's international campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on Celtic
McKenna described Celtic as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"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 remarkable team. And we're at a really important phase of the season. Everything external hasn't reached my radar."
Background and Contractual Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "I don't think everyone has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
The coach signed a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his alleged ÂŁ5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"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 do my best as long as I remain in position."
Bellamy's Situation
Bellamy represented the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Wales forward is inclined to complete the ongoing global tournament qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in next month would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of making those, thanks to a successful European competition performance, should they fail to end up Group J runners-up.
Given his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Ipswich's manager denies having conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Both coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after World Cup matches
