Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Wales

Soccer Coaching News

Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic manager position

The Championship club's Kieran McKenna says he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his team's international campaign.

Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.

The Manager's Position on Celtic

McKenna referred to Celtic as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.

The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.

"There have been such conversations," the London-born former Irish youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.

"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is currently.

"I have a special position here at a special club. And we're at a really important phase of the season. Anything external hasn't reached my radar."

Background and Agreement Aspects

Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.

"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and declare what they were, but of course it's a massive football club."

The coach signed a new four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged ÂŁ5m release clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!

"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as long as I remain in position."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the former Welsh striker is minded to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.

Wales are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.

Victories over the minnows and their rivals in November would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a successful European competition performance, even if they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.

Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until following the play-offs at the earliest.

Key Points

  • Kieran McKenna refutes having conversations with Celtic
  • McKenna emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
  • Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
  • Both managers linked with Celtic position
  • Bellamy not free until after World Cup qualifiers
Brett Khan
Brett Khan

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