Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team

Football Coaching News

Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Celtic vacancy

The Championship club's Kieran McKenna says he has had "zero conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Wales head coach the former striker is dedicated to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.

Both have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.

The Manager's Position on Celtic

McKenna referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties took charge of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.

"There have been any of those discussions," the London-born former Northern Ireland young player said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.

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

"I possess a special position here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Everything external hasn't reached my radar."

Context and Contractual Details

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

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a massive football club."

The coach signed a new multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his reported buyout 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 approach this role like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently do my best as long as I remain in position."

The Welsh Coach's Position

Bellamy played for the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to finish the ongoing global tournament qualification, a stance 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 second-placed North Macedonia.

Victories over the minnows and their rivals in November would book their place in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a successful Nations League performance, even if they not end up their group runners-up.

Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the earliest.

Important Highlights

  • Kieran McKenna refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
  • The coach emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
  • Wales' manager focused on World Cup qualification
  • Each managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
  • The Welsh coach not free until post World Cup qualifiers
Mr. William Kerr
Mr. William Kerr

An avid mountaineer and writer sharing insights from global expeditions and wilderness survival.