Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna declares he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his squad's international campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on Monday.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last season as they were demoted back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"I have not had such conversations," the London-born former Irish young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.
"I have a unique position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Context and Contractual Aspects
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big football club."
McKenna agreed to a new multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I approach this role like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy represented Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is inclined to complete the ongoing World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
Wales are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition performance, should they fail to finish as Group J second place.
Considering his present position, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Points
- Ipswich's manager denies any conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Both managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after tournament qualifiers