No McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager states he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.
Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
McKenna referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been such discussions," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland young player said when questioned 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 possess a unique job here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Context and Contractual Details
Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and announce what they were, but of course it's a massive football club."
The coach signed a fresh four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
Bellamy's Position
Bellamy represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh forward is minded to finish the ongoing global tournament campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Celtic job.
Wales are presently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and runners-up North Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would secure 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 runners-up.
Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna denies any talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on international qualification
- Both managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy not free until post World Cup matches