Zero Kieran McKenna Celtic FC Discussions as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales

Football Coaching Updates

Ipswich's manager and Craig Bellamy have been linked with the Scottish champions manager position

The Championship club's their manager states he has had "zero discussions" with Celtic about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh head coach the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his team's international campaign.

Each are being considered with the manager's job at the Scottish champions following the former manager's resignation on the start of the week.

McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club

The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "a really big soccer institution" but stressed he is "deeply involved" of a "extensive rebuilding" with Ipswich Town.

The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and led them to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the Championship and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.

"I have not had such conversations," the London-born former Northern Ireland youth international said when asked about being on Celtic's shortlist.

"It's not something I have considered seriously, or where any portion of my focus is this week.

"I have a unique position here at a special team. And we're at a crucial stage of the season. Everything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."

Context and Agreement Details

Reports indicate that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.

"During youth, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "I don't think all people has to publicly and declare what they were, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."

The coach agreed to a new multi-year deal in last year and was asked about his alleged £5m release clause.

"In every manager's contract, there are provisions," he replied. "I'm unaware what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn't disclose you regardless!

"I tackle this role like I'll be Ipswich manager forever. I understand that's not always 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 played for Celtic on temporary transfer from the Magpies in the mid-2000s, but the former Wales striker is minded to finish the current global tournament qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from immediately taking the Glasgow position.

Wales are presently in third place in their World Cup group behind group toppers Belgium and second-placed North Macedonia.

Victories over Liechtenstein and their rivals in November would book their position in the final qualifying round, but they are all but guaranteed of making those, due to a productive European competition performance, even if they fail to finish as their group second place.

Considering his present stance, the Wales manager, whose contract concludes after Euro 2028, would be unavailable until following the play-offs at the minimum.

Key Points

  • Ipswich's manager refutes any conversations with the Scottish club
  • The coach stresses commitment to his current club
  • Craig Bellamy focused on international campaign
  • Each coaches linked with Celtic position
  • The Welsh coach not free until after World Cup qualifiers
Bradley Howard
Bradley Howard

A digital marketing specialist with over a decade of experience in domain management and web optimization.

December 2025 Blog Roll