No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager declares he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is dedicated to seeing out his team's international campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure on Monday.
The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just four games last campaign as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in England's second tier.
"I have not had any of those discussions," the English capital native ex- Irish young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my concentration is currently.
"I possess a unique job here at a special club. And we're at a really important phase of the campaign. Anything external hasn't reached my awareness."
Background and Contractual Aspects
Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
McKenna signed a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!
"I approach this role like I will remain Town's coach forever. I know that's not always going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Position
Bellamy represented Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to complete the ongoing global tournament qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are presently in third place in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually assured of making those, due to a productive Nations League campaign, even if they not end up their group second place.
Given his present position, Bellamy, whose contract concludes after the European Championship, would not be available until following the qualifying matches at the earliest.
Important Points
- Kieran McKenna refutes having talks with the Scottish club
- McKenna stresses commitment to Ipswich Town
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Both coaches linked with Celtic vacancy
- Bellamy not free until after tournament qualifiers