Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic Discussions as Bellamy Commits to Welsh National Team
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been linked with the Celtic manager position
Ipswich Town's their manager says he has had "zero discussions" with Celtic about their coaching position, while Welsh head coach Craig Bellamy is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.
Both have been linked with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Position on The Scottish Club
McKenna referred to Celtic as "an enormous soccer institution" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with the Championship side.
The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in the Championship.
"I have not had any of those conversations," the London-born ex- Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I have a unique position here at a special club. And we're at a really important stage of the season. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."
Background and Agreement Aspects
It has been suggested that McKenna would be willing to talk to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when questioned about these. "I don't think all people has to go around and announce what they used to be, but of course it's a really big sports organization."
The coach signed a new multi-year deal in last year and was questioned about his reported buyout 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 disclose you anyway!
"I approach this job like I will remain Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand 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 the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to finish the current World Cup campaign, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.
Wales are presently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.
Victories over the minnows and their rivals in next month would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but assured of making those, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, should they fail to end up their group runners-up.
Considering his present position, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the earliest.
Important Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes having talks with Celtic
- McKenna emphasizes commitment to his current club
- Wales' manager focused on international qualification
- Each coaches connected with Celtic position
- The Welsh coach unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers
