Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic manager position
The Championship club's Kieran McKenna says he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his team's international campaign.
Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they won just four games last season as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"I have not had any of those discussions," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.
"I have a special position here at a remarkable club. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Agreement Aspects
Reports indicate that the manager would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I tackle 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 remain in position."
Bellamy's Position
Bellamy played for Celtic on loan from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to finish the current World Cup qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a successful European competition performance, should they fail to end up Group J runners-up.
Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until following the play-offs at the minimum.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna denies having conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Each coaches linked with Celtic vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until after tournament qualifiers