No McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach the former striker is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.
The Manager's Position on Celtic
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in the Championship.
"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is currently.
"I possess a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."
Context and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big football club."
McKenna agreed to a new multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I am here."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
The former striker played for the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Wales striker is minded to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
Wales are presently third in their World Cup group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually assured of reaching that stage, due to a successful European competition performance, even if they fail to finish as Group J second place.
Considering his present stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Key Points
- Ipswich's manager denies having conversations with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on international qualification
- Each managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post tournament matches
