Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Wales

Football Coaching Updates

Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions vacancy

The Championship club's their manager says he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated 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' resignation on Monday.

McKenna's Stance on Celtic

The Ipswich boss described Celtic as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in 2021 and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.

"There have been such discussions," the English capital native former Irish youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.

"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is currently.

"I have a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything external hasn't reached my awareness."

Context and Agreement Details

It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."

McKenna agreed to a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!

"I tackle this job like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."

Bellamy's Situation

Bellamy played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in 2005, but the former Wales striker is inclined to complete the ongoing global tournament campaign, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind leaders Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.

Wins over the minnows and North Macedonia in November would book their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive European competition performance, even if they not finish as their group second place.

Considering his present stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the minimum.

Key Highlights

  • Kieran McKenna refutes any talks with the Scottish club
  • The coach stresses dedication to his current club
  • Craig Bellamy focused on World Cup qualification
  • Both managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
  • The Welsh coach not free until after World Cup qualifiers
Kayla Carpenter
Kayla Carpenter

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and startup consulting.