Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero discussions" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's international campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Position on Celtic
The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born 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 part of my focus is this week.
"I have a unique position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Everything external hasn't touched my radar."
Context and Agreement Details
Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a massive sports organization."
McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged buyout 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 anyway!
"I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a successful Nations League performance, should they fail to end up their group second place.
Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes any talks with Celtic
- The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on international qualification
- Each coaches linked with Celtic position
- The Welsh coach not free until after tournament matches