Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his squad's international campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on Celtic
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"There have been such conversations," the London-born former Irish young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my focus is this week.
"I possess a special position here at a special club. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."
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 affinities," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I approach this job like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy represented Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh striker is inclined to complete the ongoing World Cup campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a productive Nations League performance, even if they not end up their group runners-up.
Given his current position, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Points
- Ipswich's manager refutes having conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses dedication to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup campaign
- Each coaches linked with Celtic vacancy
- Bellamy not free until post tournament matches
