Zero McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic vacancy
Ipswich Town's their manager states he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on Monday.
The Manager's Position on Celtic
The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "an enormous soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, 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 England's second tier.
"There have been any of those discussions," the English capital native former Northern Ireland young player said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is currently.
"I possess a special position here at a special club. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Anything external hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think everyone has to go around and announce what they used to be, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I approach this job like I will remain Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
The former striker represented Celtic on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Wales striker is inclined to finish the current World Cup campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they fail to finish as Group J runners-up.
Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Points
- Kieran McKenna denies having conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Each managers connected with the Glasgow position
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers
