No McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Commits 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 the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his squad's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "an enormous soccer institution" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been such conversations," the English capital native former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.
"I possess a unique position here at a special team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything external hasn't reached my radar."
Background and Contractual Details
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
The coach agreed to a new four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I will remain Town's coach forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is minded to complete the ongoing World Cup campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, due to a successful Nations League campaign, should they not finish as Group J runners-up.
Given his current stance, Bellamy, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the minimum.
Key Points
- Kieran McKenna refutes having talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager focused on international campaign
- Each coaches connected with Celtic position
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post World Cup matches