No Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager states he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his team's World Cup campaign.
Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
McKenna referred to Celtic as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born 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 part of my concentration is this week.
"I have a special position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Anything external hasn't touched my radar."
Background and Agreement Aspects
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 questioned about these. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but of course it's a massive football club."
The coach signed a new multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his reported buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this job like I will remain Town's coach forever. I know that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy played for the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Welsh striker is inclined to finish the current global tournament qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
Wales are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, even if they not end up Group J second place.
Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes dedication to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Both coaches connected with Celtic position
- Bellamy not free until after tournament matches
