No McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions manager position
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his team's international 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 Position on Celtic
McKenna referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team 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.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the English capital native former Northern Ireland young player said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.
"I possess a special job here at a remarkable club. And we're at a really important phase of the season. Everything external hasn't reached my radar."
Background and Contractual Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a really big football club."
The coach signed a fresh four-year contract in last year and was questioned 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 disclose you regardless!
"I approach this job like I will remain Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy played for Celtic on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales forward is minded to complete the current global tournament campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of making those, due to a productive European competition campaign, should they fail to end up Group J runners-up.
Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the minimum.
Key Points
- Kieran McKenna denies any talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Craig Bellamy focused on international qualification
- Each managers linked with the Glasgow position
- Bellamy unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers
