Zero 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 Scottish champions vacancy

The Championship club's Kieran McKenna states he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.

Each have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.

McKenna's Position on Celtic

The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.

The 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.

"There have been such discussions," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.

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

"I have a special position here at a special club. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."

Background and Agreement Details

Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."

The coach signed a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.

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

"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently do my best as long as I remain in position."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

Bellamy played for Celtic on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Wales forward is minded to finish the current global tournament campaign, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.

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

Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they not end up Group J second place.

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

Important Points

  • Ipswich's manager refutes having talks with the Scottish club
  • The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
  • Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
  • Both managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
  • The Welsh coach not free until post World Cup matches
Tiffany Sanchez
Tiffany Sanchez

A passionate mobile gamer and strategist, sharing insights from years of competitive play and content creation.