No McKenna Celtic Talks as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Celtic vacancy
Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna says he has had "no discussions" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Wales national team manager the former striker is dedicated to completing his squad's World Cup campaign.
Each are being considered with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on Celtic
McKenna described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties took charge of Portman Road in 2021 and led them to the English top flight 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 the Championship.
"I have not had any of those discussions," the English capital native ex- Northern Ireland 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 concentration is this week.
"I possess a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Anything external hasn't touched my awareness."
Background and Agreement Details
Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and declare what they used to be, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
The coach agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in 2024 and was questioned about his reported £5m release clause.
"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!
"I approach this role like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Position
The former striker represented Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in 2005, but the former Wales forward is inclined to complete the current World Cup qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in next month would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually assured of reaching that stage, due to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they not end up their group runners-up.
Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the minimum.
Key Points
- Kieran McKenna refutes having talks with the Scottish club
- The coach stresses dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup qualification
- Each managers connected with the Glasgow vacancy
- The Welsh coach unavailable until after World Cup qualifiers
