Zero McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's their manager states he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales national team manager the former striker is dedicated to completing his team's international campaign.
Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the English capital native former Irish young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is currently.
"I have a special job here at a special team. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Contractual Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and declare what they were, but of course it's a really big football club."
The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his alleged ÂŁ5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as while I remain in position."
Bellamy's Position
The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Wales striker is inclined to finish the ongoing global tournament campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of making those, due to a successful European competition performance, even if they fail to finish as Group J second place.
Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna refutes any talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses dedication to his current club
- Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup qualification
- Each coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after tournament qualifiers
