No McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Pledges to Welsh National Team

Both 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 Celtic

The Ipswich boss described the Glasgow giants as "an enormous soccer institution" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.

The mid-thirties assumed control of Portman Road in 2021 and guided the team to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were relegated back to the Championship and they presently occupy 12th in England's second tier.

"There have been such conversations," the English capital native former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.

"This isn't a matter I have given any thought to, or where any portion of my focus is this week.

"I have a special job here at a special team. And we're at a really important stage of the campaign. Anything external hasn't reached my awareness."

Context and Contractual Aspects

It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "I don't think everyone has to publicly and announce what they were, but of course it's a really big football club."

The coach signed a fresh four-year contract in last year and was asked about his alleged buyout clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are things," he replied. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you anyway!

"I approach this job like I'll be Town's coach forever. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I'll always give maximum effort as while I remain in position."

Bellamy's Situation

The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the ex- Welsh forward is inclined to finish the ongoing global tournament campaign, 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 group toppers Belgium and runners-up North Macedonia.

Victories over the minnows and their rivals in November would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually guaranteed of making those, due to a successful European competition campaign, should they not finish as Group J second place.

Considering his current position, the Wales manager, whose agreement concludes after the European Championship, would be unavailable until after the play-offs at the earliest.

Important Highlights

• Ipswich's manager refutes having conversations with Celtic
• McKenna emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
• Craig Bellamy focused on international campaign
• Each managers connected with Celtic position
• Bellamy not free until after World Cup matches