No McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales

Football Managerial News

Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy

The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.

Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.

McKenna's Stance on Celtic

McKenna described Celtic as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties took charge of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in England's second tier.

"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born former Irish youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.

"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.

"I possess a unique position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."

Context and Agreement Aspects

Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.

"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a really big sports organization."

McKenna signed a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!

"I approach this role like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."

Bellamy's Position

The former striker played for Celtic on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales striker is minded to complete the current World Cup campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

The Welsh squad are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and runners-up North Macedonia.

Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they fail to end up Group J runners-up.

Considering his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Important Points

  • Kieran McKenna refutes having talks with the Scottish club
  • McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
  • Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
  • Each coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy
  • The Welsh coach unavailable until after tournament matches
Brendan Garcia
Brendan Garcia

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in tech innovation and content marketing, passionate about simplifying complex topics.