No McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna declares he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales head coach the former striker is committed to completing his team's international campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old 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.
"I have not had such conversations," the English capital native 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 part of my focus is this week.
"I have a special position here at a special club. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna signed a new four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I approach this job like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the former Welsh striker is inclined to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a successful European competition campaign, even if they not finish as Group J second place.
Given his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Points
- Ipswich's manager denies any talks with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on international campaign
- Both managers linked with the Glasgow position
- Bellamy not free until post World Cup qualifiers
