No McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales 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 Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native former Irish young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my concentration is this week.
"I possess a unique job here at a remarkable club. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive football club."
The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
Bellamy's Position
The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to finish the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
Wales are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and their rivals in next month would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition performance, should they not end up their group runners-up.
Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Points
- Kieran McKenna denies having talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager focused on World Cup qualification
- Each managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers
