No Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Wales

Soccer Managerial News

Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic manager position

The Championship club's Kieran McKenna states he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his team's international campaign.

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

McKenna's Position on Celtic

McKenna described Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old took charge of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they won just a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they presently occupy twelfth place in the Championship.

"There have been any of those discussions," the London-born former Irish youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.

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

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

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 all people has to publicly and declare what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."

The coach signed a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you regardless!

"I tackle this role like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always do my best as long as I am here."

The Welsh Coach's Position

Bellamy represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh forward is inclined to complete the current global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.

Wales are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed North Macedonia.

Victories over the minnows and North Macedonia in next month would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, even if they fail to end up their group second place.

Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the qualifying matches at the minimum.

Key Points

  • Ipswich's manager refutes having conversations with the Scottish club
  • McKenna stresses dedication to Ipswich Town
  • Wales' manager concentrated on international qualification
  • Each coaches linked with Celtic position
  • The Welsh coach not free until after tournament qualifiers
James Schmidt
James Schmidt

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