No McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
McKenna referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.
"I have not had any of those discussions," the English capital native ex- Irish youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is currently.
"I have a unique job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Everything external hasn't touched my radar."
Background and Contractual Aspects
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his reported buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I tackle this job like I will remain Ipswich manager indefinitely. 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 Situation
Bellamy played for the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to finish the ongoing global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a productive European competition campaign, should they not finish as Group J second place.
Given his current stance, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies having conversations with Celtic
- The coach stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager concentrated on international qualification
- Both managers linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until post tournament qualifiers
