Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has set his sights on recruiting players with specific profiles ahead of the January transfer window, as revealed by the club’s chief executive, Mark Ashton.
The Tractor Boys have taken the Championship by storm this season following an impressive 2022/23 campaign, which saw the East Anglian side finish second in League One on 98 points.
Since promotion, Ipswich Town have scored a Championship high of 36 goals and currently sit second in the table behind Leicester City on goal difference.
The club’s recent surge has come from stability under McKenna, who led his side to an 11th place finish in League One in the 2021/22 campaign, before their promotion last season.
One important contributor towards Ipswich’s rise has been the positive transfer recruitment of young prospects for low fees or free transfers. Such an approach led to the summer signings of midfielder Jack Taylor, striker George Hirst and defender Leif Davis – all who are aged 25 and under and who have progressed the squad’s output in 2022/23 with 21 goal contributions between them.
Added to the likes of top scorers Nathan Broadhead and Conor Chaplin and the rejuvenated midfielder Massimo Luongo, McKenna has created an environment for talented players to flourish, without breaking the bank.
Whilst speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times, Ashton shared how the manager has led the recruitment process for Town recently. The chief executive also outlined how the Northern Ireland coach is very specific about who he wants to bring in to suit the club’s philosophy and structure.
“We know the headroom that we’ve got. I’m always backed by the owners. Financially, Kieran is always backed. But Kieran will only bring in the right type of players. He won’t just bring in a player for the numbers that’s just not in his make-up. He’s selective and that is something I’m really proud of.
“Kieran has his technical and physical specifications. We try and get the balance right with players who have got more experience and players who are young, hungry and who he can develop. That won’t change.
“He’s very clear with me on where he wants to add to the squad in January, but he also talks about the balance of his squad all the time.”
Writer’s View
Ipswich continue to catch the eye for their youthful, attacking and front-foot approach in the Championship. It is clear that McKenna wants to build a squad for the future, and young talented players with Premier League or Championship experience are at the heart of his long-term plan.
As a result, the project might seem like an appealing prospect for many players in the January transfer window, which may help the Tractor Boys’ recruitment ambitions.
