Zero McKenna Celtic Discussions as Craig Bellamy Commits to Wales
Ipswich's manager and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
The Championship club's their manager says he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their coaching position, while Wales national team manager the former striker is committed to seeing out his squad's World Cup campaign.
Each have been linked with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.
The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club
McKenna referred to Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich 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 campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they presently occupy twelfth place in England's second tier.
"There have been any of those conversations," the English capital native former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is this week.
"I possess a unique position here at a special team. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Background and Agreement Details
It has been suggested that McKenna would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his childhood support.
"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it's a massive sports organization."
The coach agreed to a fresh multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his reported buyout clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are things," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!
"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 do my best as long as I am here."
Bellamy's Position
The former striker represented Celtic on loan from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is minded to finish the ongoing World Cup qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the 46-year-old from immediately taking the Glasgow position.
The Welsh squad are currently in third place in their qualifying group behind leaders the Red Devils and runners-up Macedonia.
Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would secure their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of reaching that stage, due to a successful European competition campaign, even if they not end up Group J runners-up.
Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose agreement expires after the European Championship, would not be available until following the play-offs at the earliest.
Key Points
- Ipswich's manager refutes having talks with the Scottish club
- The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Wales' manager concentrated on World Cup campaign
- Each managers linked with Celtic position
- Bellamy not free until after tournament qualifiers