Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Celtic manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager declares he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales head coach the former striker is dedicated to completing his team's international campaign.
Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight 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 England's second tier.
"There have been such conversations," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I possess a special job here at a special club. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Background and Contractual Details
It has been suggested that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna signed a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as while I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to complete the ongoing global tournament campaign, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their World Cup group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and their rivals in November would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, thanks to a successful European competition campaign, even if they not end up their group second place.
Given his present stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager denies any talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses dedication to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup qualification
- Each coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after tournament matches
