No Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna states he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is committed to completing his team's World Cup campaign.
Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Irish youth international 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 focus is currently.
"I possess a unique position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Context and Contractual Details
It has been suggested that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "I don't think all people has to go around and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a massive football club."
The coach agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this role like I will remain Ipswich manager indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker played for Celtic on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh striker is inclined to complete the ongoing World Cup campaign, a position 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 group toppers Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of making those, thanks to a successful European competition performance, even if they not end up their group second place.
Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna denies any talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Each managers linked with Celtic vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after tournament matches