No Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales

Football Coaching News

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

Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna says he has had "zero discussions" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach the former striker is committed to seeing out his team's World Cup campaign.

Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's departure 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 39-year-old took charge of Portman Road in recent years and guided the team to the English top flight with back-to-back promotions, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in England's second tier.

"I have not had any of those discussions," the London-born 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 unique job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the season. Anything outside of that hasn't reached my radar."

Background and Agreement Details

Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when questioned about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it's a massive football club."

McKenna signed a new four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.

"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he replied. "I don't know what mine are and, were I informed, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!

"I approach this job like I'll be Ipswich manager indefinitely. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."

Bellamy's Position

The former striker played for the Hoops on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh striker is minded to finish the current global tournament qualification, a position that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Celtic job.

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

Victories over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, due to a successful Nations League performance, even if they fail to end up Group J runners-up.

Considering his present stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until following the play-offs at the minimum.

Key Highlights

  • Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with Celtic
  • The coach emphasizes commitment to his current club
  • Wales' manager focused on World Cup qualification
  • Both managers linked with the Glasgow vacancy
  • Bellamy unavailable until post tournament qualifiers
Alexander Pierce
Alexander Pierce

Mira Thorne is a tech journalist and AI researcher with over a decade of experience covering digital innovations and their impact on society.