Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has stated his commitment to the club after reports linking him with the vacant role at Celtic.
McKenna had emerged as one of the favourites for the Hoops job after Brendan Rodgers left his role earlier this week, with Martin O’Neill currently in charge as interim.
The 39-year-old is one of English football’s most promising managers after guiding the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League, with the club now back in the Championship.
Despite describing Celtic as “a really big football club”, McKenna stressed he is “in the middle” of a “long-term project” with Ipswich.
“I have not had any of those conversations. It’s not something I have given any thought to, or where any part of my concentration is this week.
“I have a special job here at a special club. And we’re at a really important stage of the season. Anything outside of that hasn’t touched my radar.
“I know I won’t be the manager here forever, for one reason or another, but I’m certainly fully focused on the task at hand, both in the short term, medium and long.”
🗣️”I know I won’t be the manager here forever, for one reason or another, but I’m certainly fully focused on the task at hand, both in the short term, medium and long.”
Watch EVERY word Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna said when asked about links to the Celtic job ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/qE6KsQPBVU
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 30, 2025
After relegation from the top flight, Ipswich have struggled to find their feet back in the second tier and currently sit 12th. Having reportedly supported Celtic when growing up in Northern Ireland, he was seen as a key contender.
“Growing up, we all have our affinities,” he said when asked about those affinities with the Scottish Premiership club. “I don’t think everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but of course it’s a really big football club.”
McKenna signed a new four-year contract in 2024 and was asked about his reported £5million release clause.
“In every manager’s contract, there are things,” he replied. “I don’t know what mine are and, if I did, I wouldn’t tell you anyway!
“I approach this job like I’ll be Ipswich manager forever. I know that’s not always going to be the case, but I’ll always do my best as long as I am here.”
The search for a new manager looks set to continue for Celtic, who are currently eight points behind surprise leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, with Craig Bellamy also set to rule himself out amid his commitment to guiding Wales to the 2026 World Cup, according to the BBC.
A potential return for Ange Postecoglou, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, is also believed to be a non-starter.
