Zero McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna declares he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his squad's World Cup campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is this week.
"I have a unique job here at a special team. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that the manager 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. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they used to be, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna signed a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this role like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand 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
The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh forward is minded to finish the current World Cup campaign, a position that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
Wales are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they not finish as Group J runners-up.
Given his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until following the play-offs at the minimum.
Key Highlights
- Kieran McKenna refutes any talks with Celtic
- The coach stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Both managers linked with the Glasgow position
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers