Ipswich Town Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has refused to be drawn into speculation linking him with a move away from Portman Road as Premier League clubs begin to circle.
The 38-year-old has performed wonders since taking on the role in 2021. Joining the club midway through the campaign sitting in mid-table, the former Manchester United coach guided the Tractor Boys to promotion during his first full season in charge.
Although that was impressive in itself, McKenna followed that up with identical success in the Championship, earning the club a spot in the Premier League for the first time since 2002. It’s this astronomical rise which has seen him appear on the radar of a number of teams in the top tier.
Speculation linking him with a return to Old Trafford has refused to disappear in the past few weeks. It is thought that current boss Erik ten Hag could be on his way out following the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday, with McKenna considered one of the frontrunners to replace the Dutchman.
Brighton & Hove Albion are also said to be keen after it was announced late last week that Roberto de Zerbi was to step down. A move to Chelsea may be on the cards following Mauricio Pochettino’s shock departure yesterday, although the Blues are another who are thought to be keen on McKenna.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur youngster added the LMA Manager of the Year to his previously won Championship Manager of the Season earlier this week, where he addressed the speculation. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“Look, the club has had such a positive season and has such a positive future ahead.
“We’ve achieved so much. It’s been an incredible two years. When you have success like that there always comes speculation and things like that, we’ve seen that every summer. But I know how much everyone is looking forward to the season, the club is in a fantastic path, and everyone is just really looking forward to the season ahead.
“I know what we’ve achieved isn’t a normal thing so there’s always going to be speculation. But that’s not where my focus is. Tonight (LMA awards) is about what we’ve achieved over the last couple of seasons.
“It’s been a wonderful couple of years so tonight is about celebrating that. I know everyone is looking forward to next season and I know the club is going to be in a really good place going into that season.”
McKenna is currently under contract until 2027, with Ipswich believed to be keen on improving his existing deal.
Writer’s View
McKenna’s rise to the top has taken everyone by surprise. To have achieved what he has done in such a short space of time is nothing short of phenomenal. It’s little wonder that some of the Premier League’s top teams are considering a move.
The Chelsea links are fresh and there could be some legs behind the rumours. However, the 38-year-old would be foolish to even consider swapping Portman Road for Stamford Bridge. The Blues are not known for giving their manager’s time and he would be given little chance to get things wrong. His best bet would be to stay put for another year, where he can further improve his stock by avoiding relegation with Ipswich.
Be the first to comment