No Kieran McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to completing his team's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's departure on the start of the week.
McKenna's Stance on The Scottish Club
McKenna described Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the English capital native ex- Irish youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is currently.
"I have a unique position here at a special team. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my awareness."
Context and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think all people has to go around and announce what they used to be, but of course it's a massive football club."
The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this job like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not always going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to complete the current World Cup campaign, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a successful Nations League campaign, should they fail to end up Group J second place.
Given his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager denies any conversations with the Scottish club
- McKenna emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager focused on World Cup campaign
- Each coaches connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy not free until after tournament matches
