No McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's their manager states he has had "zero discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales head coach the former striker is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been such conversations," the London-born former Irish young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my concentration is this week.
"I have a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Anything external hasn't touched my radar."
Context and Contractual Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "I don't think everyone has to go around and announce what they used to be, but of course it's a really big football club."
The coach agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as while I remain in position."
Bellamy's Position
Bellamy represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Wales striker is minded to finish the current global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties 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 North Macedonia in November would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually assured of making those, thanks to a successful Nations League campaign, should they not end up their group runners-up.
Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Points
- Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager focused on international qualification
- Each coaches connected with Celtic position
- Bellamy not free until after World Cup qualifiers
