No McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic manager position
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna states he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on Celtic
The Ipswich boss 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 assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just four games last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been such conversations," the English capital native former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.
"I possess a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Anything external hasn't reached my radar."
Context and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive football club."
The coach agreed to a new four-year contract in last year and was asked about his reported buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I tackle this role like I will remain Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Welsh striker is inclined to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in November would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a successful Nations League performance, should they fail to end up their group runners-up.
Given his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Key Points
- Ipswich's manager denies having talks with Celtic
- The coach stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy focused on international qualification
- Each coaches linked with Celtic vacancy
- The Welsh coach not free until after tournament matches
