No McKenna Celtic Talks as Bellamy Commits to Wales

Both are being considered with the coaching position at the Premiership title holders following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.

The Manager's Stance on The Scottish Club

The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old assumed control of Portman Road in recent years and led them to the English top flight with consecutive elevations, but they won just a handful of victories last season as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit 12th in England's second tier.

"There have been such conversations," the English capital native ex- Irish youth international said when questioned about being on Celtic's shortlist.

"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is currently.

"I have a special position here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Everything external hasn't reached my radar."

Background and Agreement Details

Reports indicate that McKenna would be open to speaking to Celtic given his childhood support.

"During youth, we all have our affinities," he said when asked about these. "It's unlikely all people has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big football club."

McKenna signed a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5m release clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are things," he responded. "I don't know what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you anyway!

"I approach this role like I'll be Town's coach indefinitely. I know that's not invariably going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as long as I remain in position."

The Welsh Coach's Position

Bellamy represented Celtic on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in 2005, but the ex- Welsh forward is minded to complete the ongoing global tournament qualification, a stance that would practically eliminate the mid-forties from immediately taking the Celtic job.

Wales are currently third in their World Cup group behind leaders the Red Devils and second-placed Macedonia.

Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in next month would book their position in the qualification play-offs, but they are all but guaranteed of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive European competition campaign, even if they not finish as Group J second place.

Considering his current stance, the Wales manager, whose contract expires after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the earliest.

Important Points

• Ipswich's manager denies having conversations with Celtic
• The coach emphasizes commitment to Ipswich Town
• Craig Bellamy concentrated on World Cup campaign
• Each managers connected with the Glasgow position
• The Welsh coach unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers