No McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's their manager states he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach the former striker is committed to completing his team's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just four games last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been such conversations," the English capital native former Irish youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I have a unique job here at a special team. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything external hasn't touched my radar."
Background and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it's a massive football club."
McKenna signed a new four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I tackle this job like I will remain Ipswich manager indefinitely. I know that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always do my best as long as I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Position
The former striker played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh striker is inclined to finish the ongoing World Cup campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Glasgow position.
Wales are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.
Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies having talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to his current club
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Each managers connected with the Glasgow position
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after World Cup matches