Zero McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to completing his team's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Stance on Celtic
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland young player 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 possess a unique position here at a special team. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested 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 questioned about these. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
The coach signed a new four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as while I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh striker is inclined to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
Wales are currently third in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in November would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of making those, thanks to a productive European competition performance, should they fail to end up Group J runners-up.
Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Key Points
- Ipswich's manager denies having talks with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup campaign
- Each coaches connected with Celtic position
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post tournament matches
