Zero McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Wales national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his squad's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road 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 Championship and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been such conversations," the London-born former Irish youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is currently.
"I have a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Background and Contractual Aspects
Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I understand 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 Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is minded to finish the current global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they fail to finish as their group runners-up.
Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Both managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy not free until post tournament matches
