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

Football Managerial News

Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic vacancy

The Championship club's their manager declares he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his squad's international campaign.

Both have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.

McKenna's Position 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 Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.

"I have not had such discussions," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international 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 unique job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."

Context and Agreement Aspects

Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his childhood support.

"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."

The coach signed a new multi-year deal in last year and was questioned 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 role like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Position

Bellamy played for Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Wales forward is inclined to finish the ongoing global tournament campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.

The Welsh squad are presently third in their qualifying group behind leaders the Red Devils and runners-up Macedonia.

Wins over the minnows and their rivals in November would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a successful Nations League campaign, even if they fail to end up their group runners-up.

Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would not be available until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Key Highlights

  • Ipswich's manager refutes having conversations with the Scottish club
  • The coach stresses commitment to his current club
  • Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
  • Each coaches connected with Celtic vacancy
  • Bellamy unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers
Rachel Buchanan MD
Rachel Buchanan MD

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