No McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic vacancy
The Championship club's their manager declares he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales head coach the former striker is committed to completing his squad's international 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 Stance on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old took charge 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 campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.
"I have not had such conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I possess a unique job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important phase of the season. Everything external hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Contractual Aspects
It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
The coach signed a new four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his reported buyout clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales forward is minded to finish the ongoing World Cup campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, due to a productive European competition performance, even if they fail to finish as their group runners-up.
Given his present stance, Bellamy, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Points
- Ipswich's manager denies any conversations with Celtic
- McKenna stresses dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager focused on international campaign
- Both managers connected with the Glasgow position
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after World Cup matches
