No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions vacancy
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach the former striker is dedicated to completing his team's international campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club
McKenna referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is currently.
"I possess a special job here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything external hasn't reached my radar."
Background and Contractual Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive football club."
McKenna agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
Bellamy represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to complete the ongoing global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from assuming the Glasgow position.
Wales are currently third in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive Nations League campaign, should they not finish as their group runners-up.
Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager focused on World Cup campaign
- Each managers connected with the Glasgow position
- The Welsh coach not free until post tournament qualifiers
