No McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team

Football Managerial News

Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic manager position

Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna declares he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to seeing out his squad's World Cup campaign.

Both are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on Monday.

The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club

The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" 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 consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.

"I have not had such discussions," the English capital native ex- Irish youth international 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 concentration is this week.

"I have a special job here at a special team. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Everything external hasn't touched my radar."

Context and Contractual Aspects

It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a massive sports organization."

McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his reported buyout clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!

"I approach this job like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Position

The former striker played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Wales forward is inclined to finish the current global tournament campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from assuming the Celtic job.

Wales are currently third in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.

Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, should they fail to end up their group runners-up.

Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Key Highlights

  • Kieran McKenna refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
  • McKenna emphasizes commitment to his current club
  • Wales' manager focused on international qualification
  • Both coaches linked with the Glasgow vacancy
  • Bellamy not free until post World Cup qualifiers
Teresa Perry
Teresa Perry

A seasoned sports analyst and betting enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry.