No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Wales

Football Coaching Updates

Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic vacancy

The Championship club's Kieran McKenna states he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Wales head coach the former striker is dedicated to completing his team's World Cup campaign.

Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.

McKenna's Position on Celtic

McKenna referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.

"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Irish 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 focus is currently.

"I possess a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."

Context and Agreement Aspects

It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.

"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and announce what they were, but naturally it's a massive football club."

McKenna agreed to a new multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!

"I approach this role like I will remain Town's coach forever. I know that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Situation

The former striker represented Celtic on loan from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Wales forward is inclined to complete the current World Cup campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Celtic job.

Wales are presently in third place in their World Cup group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.

Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, should they not end up their group runners-up.

Given his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.

Key Points

  • Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
  • The coach emphasizes dedication to Ipswich Town
  • Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
  • Both managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
  • Bellamy unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers
Brittany Barajas
Brittany Barajas

A seasoned gamer and strategy expert with over a decade of experience in quest-based RPGs and tactical simulations.