No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna states he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, 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 Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only four games last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is this week.
"I possess a special job here at a special team. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my radar."
Background and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and announce what they were, but of course it's a massive sports organization."
The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I approach this role like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker played for the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh striker is minded to finish the ongoing World Cup campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of making those, due to a successful Nations League performance, even if they fail to finish as Group J second place.
Given his current stance, Bellamy, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would not be available until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager denies having talks with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
- Both coaches connected with the Glasgow position
- The Welsh coach not free until after World Cup matches