No McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic vacancy
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is dedicated to completing his team's international campaign.
Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only four games last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"There have been such discussions," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I possess a special job here at a special team. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Everything external hasn't touched my radar."
Context and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they used to be, but of course it's a massive football club."
The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his reported buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in 2005, but the former Welsh forward is minded to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
Wales are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a successful Nations League campaign, should they fail to end up Group J runners-up.
Considering his current position, Bellamy, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes any talks with Celtic
- McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
- Each coaches connected with Celtic vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers
