Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's their manager declares he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is committed to completing his squad's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on Monday.
The Manager's Position on Celtic
McKenna described Celtic as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" 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 four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"I have not had any of those discussions," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland young player said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I have a special job here at a special club. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Contractual Aspects
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna signed a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I approach this job like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the former Wales forward is minded to complete the current World Cup campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and runners-up Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of making those, due to a successful European competition performance, even if they not finish as their group runners-up.
Given his present stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Key Highlights
- Kieran McKenna refutes having talks with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager focused on international qualification
- Each managers linked with Celtic vacancy
- Bellamy not free until after tournament matches