No Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's their manager states he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is committed to completing his team's international campaign.
Both have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" 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 twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native ex- Irish youth international said when asked 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 this week.
"I possess a unique job here at a special club. And we're at a really important phase of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my radar."
Context and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
The coach signed a new multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this role like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as while I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy represented Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is inclined to complete the current global tournament campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in next month would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they fail to end up Group J second place.
Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup qualification
- Each coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until after tournament matches