No Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team

Football Managerial News

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

The Championship club's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.

Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.

The Manager's Stance on Celtic

The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized 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 back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.

"I have not had such discussions," the English capital native ex- Irish youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.

"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my focus is currently.

"I possess a unique job here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my radar."

Context and Agreement Details

Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive football club."

The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his alleged buyout clause.

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!

"I tackle this role like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Position

Bellamy represented Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to complete the ongoing global tournament campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Celtic job.

Wales are presently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.

Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they fail to end up Group J second place.

Considering his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Important Highlights

  • Kieran McKenna refutes having conversations with the Scottish club
  • McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
  • Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup qualification
  • Each coaches linked with Celtic position
  • Bellamy not free until after World Cup qualifiers
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