Zero McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's their manager declares he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales head coach the former striker is committed to seeing out his team's international campaign.
Both have been linked with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on Celtic
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 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 demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been such discussions," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.
"I possess a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Context and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna agreed to a new four-year contract in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I tackle this job like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
The former striker played for Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Welsh forward is minded to complete the current global tournament qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a successful Nations League campaign, should they fail to end up Group J second place.
Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Key Points
- Ipswich's manager denies having talks with the Scottish club
- The coach emphasizes dedication to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager focused on international campaign
- Both managers linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after tournament qualifiers