Zero McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna states he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is committed to completing his squad's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on Monday.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only four games last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit 12th in the Championship.
"I have not had such discussions," the English capital native former Irish youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I possess a special position here at a special team. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk 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 everyone has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a massive football club."
McKenna agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh striker is minded to finish the ongoing global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a successful Nations League campaign, should they fail to end up their group second place.
Considering his present position, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would not be available until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes having conversations with Celtic
- The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Each coaches linked with Celtic position
- The Welsh coach not free until post tournament qualifiers