Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager states he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to completing his team's international campaign.
Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on Monday.
The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.
"I have not had such conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I have a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Everything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Contractual Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think all people has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."
The coach agreed to a new multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I approach this job like I will remain Town's coach forever. I know that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
Bellamy represented the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales striker is inclined to finish the current World Cup campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they not finish as their group runners-up.
Given his present stance, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna refutes any conversations with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes dedication to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on international campaign
- Each managers connected with Celtic position
- Bellamy unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers