No McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
The Manager's Stance on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"I have not had such conversations," the English capital native former Irish young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any part of my focus is currently.
"I have a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Background and Contractual Details
Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and announce what they were, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
The coach signed a new multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker played for the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to complete the ongoing global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
Wales are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a successful Nations League campaign, even if they not finish as their group runners-up.
Given his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Kieran McKenna refutes having talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager focused on World Cup qualification
- Both coaches linked with Celtic position
- Bellamy unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers
