Ipswich Town have agreed a new four-year deal with their impressive boss Kieran McKenna. The Tractor Boys fought off Premier League interest.
With constant ongoing speculation around McKenna’s future surrounding the club recently, the 38-year-old has finally put the rumours to bed by signing a long-term extension at Portman Road. Despite extremely high interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Brighton and Hove Albion, McKenna has decided to stay put and continue the project with the Town.
The former United youth coach was shortlisted by three Premier League sides due to his two-time defiance of the promotion odds. McKenna took his Tractor Boys side from League One to the top-flight within two seasons, overseeing back-to-back promotions. This achievement hasn’t been done since Southampton managed it back in 2012.
Interest from Chelsea simmered on Sunday after the 38-year-old was told that he was no longer being considered for the role. However, the Red Devils were in hot pursuit of McKenna’s return following the mounting speculation of Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. This recent revelation has nullified any rumours of the Ipswich manager leaving, and has instead boosted the East Anglian side’s hopes for next season.
Speaking to Sky Sports after committing to the club and making a bold decision to stay put, McKenna had this to say about the future with the Tractor Boys:
“I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club. We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons and I’m excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading this fantastic club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years.
“Preparation and planning for the challenge ahead has been ongoing since we won promotion at the beginning of May, with plenty of work still to do before the start of the new season at what is such an exciting time for everyone at the club.
“I am so happy to have committed my future to taking the next step with Ipswich Town and I am really excited for what’s ahead as we continue this journey together.”
McKenna has been at the now-Premier League club since
December 2021, and will extend his stay for a further four years following the announcement of this deal. The Tractor Boys will hope to avoid relegation and have a busy summer window ahead, which they can focus on entirely now that their boss has silenced speculation.
Writer’s View
This is a very brave move for McKenna, but one that should be praised highly. To turn down clubs like Man United and Chelsea, with the financial incentives that they hold, shows real character from the 38-year-old and highlights the presence of loyalty in the modern game.
Ipswich will be set to make big moves in the market with their biggest concern now over. The Northern Irishman could mastermind the club to avoid the drop next season, as he has already done the unthinkable by returning Ipswich to the first division.
Clubs in the Prem will definitely come calling again. This has been clarified by Vincent Kompany’s recent move to Bayern Munich, despite relegating Burnley last year. When United and Chelsea find themselves in better positions, McKenna could make the step up then. For now though, he has made the more sentimental and sensible decision.
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