Zero McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team

Football Coaching Updates

Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic vacancy

Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna declares he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is committed to completing his squad's international campaign.

Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.

McKenna's Position on Celtic

McKenna referred to Celtic as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.

The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.

"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.

"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my concentration is currently.

"I possess a special job here at a special team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."

Context and Agreement Aspects

Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.

"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and announce what they were, but naturally it's a massive football club."

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

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

"I tackle this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always do my best as long as I remain in position."

The Welsh Coach's Position

Bellamy played for Celtic on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Welsh forward is minded to complete the ongoing World Cup campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.

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

Wins over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually assured of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they not finish as their group second place.

Considering his current stance, Bellamy, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.

Key Points

  • Ipswich's manager denies any conversations with the Scottish club
  • The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
  • Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
  • Each managers connected with Celtic position
  • The Welsh coach unavailable until after World Cup matches
Robert Martin
Robert Martin

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