No McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" 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 led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"I have not had such discussions," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my focus is this week.
"I possess a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Background and Contractual Details
It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna signed a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to complete the ongoing global tournament campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
Wales are presently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and their rivals in November would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition performance, even if they not end up their group second place.
Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Highlights
- Kieran McKenna refutes having conversations with Celtic
- McKenna stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Both coaches connected with the Glasgow position
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after tournament matches
