No McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna declares he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales head coach the former striker is committed to completing his team's World Cup campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna described Celtic as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties took charge of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.
"I have not had such discussions," the English capital native ex- Irish youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I possess a special job here at a special team. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Background and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
The coach signed a new four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
Bellamy's Situation
Bellamy represented the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Wales striker is inclined to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and runners-up North Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, due to a successful Nations League performance, should they not finish as their group second place.
Given his present stance, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Points
- Ipswich's manager refutes having talks with Celtic
- The coach stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager focused on international campaign
- Each coaches linked with Celtic position
- Bellamy unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers