Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to completing his team's international campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Stance on Celtic
McKenna 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 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is this week.
"I possess a unique position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything external hasn't touched my radar."
Context and Contractual Details
Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
The coach agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged £5m release 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 tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always do my best as while I am here."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker played for the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales striker is inclined to finish the current global tournament campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
Wales are currently third in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and runners-up North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, due to a productive European competition performance, even if they not finish as their group second place.
Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes 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 Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Both managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after tournament qualifiers