Zero McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales

Soccer Coaching Updates

Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions vacancy

Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "zero conversations" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his team's international campaign.

Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on the start of the week.

The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club

The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "a really big football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in 2021 and led them to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only four games last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.

"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Irish youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.

"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my concentration is currently.

"I have a special position here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."

Background and Contractual Aspects

Reports indicate that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."

McKenna agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his alleged buyout clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!

"I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I am here."

Bellamy's Position

Bellamy represented Celtic on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to complete the current global tournament campaign, a position that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from assuming the Celtic job.

The Welsh squad are currently third in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.

Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a successful Nations League performance, even if they not end up their group second place.

Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the qualifying matches at the minimum.

Key Highlights

  • Kieran McKenna refutes any talks with the Scottish club
  • The coach emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
  • Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
  • Both coaches linked with Celtic vacancy
  • Bellamy unavailable until after tournament matches
Johnny Castillo
Johnny Castillo

A passionate automotive historian and restoration expert with over 15 years of experience in preserving classic cars.