Zero McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna declares he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his team's international campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.
The Manager's Stance on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit 12th in the Championship.
"There have been any of those discussions," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I have a unique position here at a special team. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and announce what they were, but of course it's a massive football club."
McKenna signed a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
The former striker represented Celtic on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh striker is inclined to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in November would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, thanks to a successful European competition performance, should they fail to end up their group second place.
Given his present stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Points
- Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Both coaches connected with the Glasgow position
- Bellamy unavailable until post tournament qualifiers
