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

Soccer Coaching Updates

Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been linked with the Celtic manager position

The Championship club's Kieran McKenna says he has had "no conversations" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach the former striker is dedicated to completing his team's World Cup campaign.

Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' departure on Monday.

The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club

The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.

The mid-thirties assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.

"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native former Irish youth international said when questioned about being on the candidate list.

"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my concentration is this week.

"I possess a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my radar."

Context and Agreement Details

It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.

"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about those. "I don't think everyone has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."

The coach 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 replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't tell you anyway!

"I approach this role like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I remain in position."

Bellamy's Situation

The former striker played for Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales forward is minded to finish the current World Cup campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from assuming the Glasgow position.

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

Wins over the minnows and their rivals in November would secure their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they not end up their group second place.

Considering his current position, Bellamy, whose agreement concludes after Euro 2028, would not be available until after the qualifying matches at the earliest.

Important Points

  • Ipswich's manager refutes any talks with Celtic
  • The coach stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
  • Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
  • Both coaches linked with Celtic vacancy
  • Bellamy unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers
Jennifer Leonard PhD
Jennifer Leonard PhD

A passionate travel writer and photographer with a deep love for Italian landscapes and hidden destinations.