No McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales

Soccer Managerial News

Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position

Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager Craig Bellamy is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.

Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.

McKenna's Stance on Celtic

McKenna described Celtic as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.

The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.

"I have not had any of those conversations," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.

"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.

"I have a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything external hasn't reached my awareness."

Context and Contractual Details

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 questioned about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and declare what they were, but of course it's a really big sports organization."

The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!

"I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as while I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

Bellamy represented Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales striker is minded to complete the current World Cup campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.

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

Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, thanks to a successful European competition performance, should they fail to finish as their group runners-up.

Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the earliest.

Key Highlights

  • Kieran McKenna denies any conversations with Celtic
  • The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
  • Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup qualification
  • Each coaches linked with Celtic vacancy
  • The Welsh coach unavailable until post tournament qualifiers
David Jackson
David Jackson

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