Zero McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Wales

Soccer Coaching Updates

Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position

Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna states he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach the former striker is committed to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.

Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on Monday.

The Manager's Stance on Celtic

McKenna referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.

"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.

"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.

"I possess a unique job here at a remarkable club. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."

Context and Agreement Aspects

Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.

"During youth, we all have our preferences," 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."

The coach agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his reported buyout clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!

"I approach this job like I will remain Ipswich manager indefinitely. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as long as I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Position

The former striker represented Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales striker is minded to complete the current global tournament qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.

Wales are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.

Wins over the minnows and their rivals in next month would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, due to a productive European competition performance, should they not end up Group J runners-up.

Given his current position, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Key Points

  • Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with Celtic
  • The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
  • Wales' manager focused on international campaign
  • Each managers linked with Celtic vacancy
  • Bellamy unavailable until after tournament qualifiers
Charles Allen
Charles Allen

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on business.