Zero McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been connected with the Celtic manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "no conversations" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh national team manager Craig Bellamy is committed to completing his team's international campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Stance on Celtic
The Ipswich boss referred to the Glasgow giants as "a really big soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The mid-thirties took charge of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only four games last season as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is currently.
"I possess a unique job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial stage of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Context and Contractual Aspects
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.
"Growing up, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and announce what they used to be, but naturally it's a massive sports organization."
McKenna agreed to a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his alleged buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"I approach this job like I will remain Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the case, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."
The Welsh Coach's Situation
Bellamy represented the Hoops on loan from Newcastle United in 2005, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a stance that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
Wales are currently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would secure their place in the qualification play-offs, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, even if they not finish as Group J runners-up.
Given his present position, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the earliest.
Key Highlights
- Ipswich's manager denies any talks with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on international campaign
- Both managers linked with the Glasgow vacancy
- Bellamy unavailable until after World Cup matches
