Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has already set his sights on a busy summer after completing his quest for back-to-back promotions.
The 37-year-old took charge of the Tractor Boys in December 2021 when they were languishing in mid-table in League One. He then achieved promotion to the Championship in his first full season in charge before following that up by adding to his successes this afternoon.
Ipswich have been the surprise package of English football this season. This afternoon’s 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town saw the Northern Irishman achieve back-to-back promotions and ended the Suffolk-based club’s 22-year stay outside the Premier League.
His antics had already seen him named Championship Manager of the Season last month and he has been linked with a number of top flight jobs, including West Ham United and former side Manchester United. Of course, under contract until 2027 coupled with a shot at the Premier League means an imminent exit from Portman Road is incredibly unlikely. However, there will be clubs watching his progress with a keen eye.
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None of that will bother McKenna though. He has been fully focused on the job in hand since taking on the reins and has confirmed that his sights are now on a busy summer ahead. Speaking to Sky Sports after this afternoon’s triumph, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur coach admitted that he is going to enjoy his latest success, although the hard work is just beginning:
“It’s going to be a great challenge (the Premier League).
“There is of course a lot of work to do within the football club and that will start in a couple of days’ time – we’ll enjoy this first.
“But for me on a personal level it’s a great challenge and one I’m looking forward to.
“We’ll enjoy it, we’ll celebrate properly. It’s a mixture of relief really for everyone else because we’d come so close and this doesn’t come around every season.
“We really wanted to finish it off so there’s relief, there’s pride and of course there’s elation.”
Writer’s View
No disrespect to Ipswich, but Kieran McKenna looks destined for the top. His achievements are already garnering attention from clubs in the upper reaches of the Premier League and it could be just a matter of time before one try to tempt him away from Portman Road.
There should be no immediate fears just yet though. The 37-year-old has performed miracles since landing his first managerial role and he will want to repay that faith next season. He will be excited by the challenge and will be looking to begin preparations early to give the Tractor Boys the best possible chance of survival. What an unbelievable achievement.
