Kieran McKenna has committed to a new four-year tenure as manager of Ipswich Town, a club he has led to a remarkable return to the Premier League. His new contract, signed amid speculation of his departure, solidifies his position at Portman Road following an outstanding run of success.
At 38, McKenna was a sought-after figure in the football world, linked with high-profile vacancies at Brighton and Chelsea. Despite being shortlisted for the Chelsea role, he withdrew from consideration, choosing instead to continue his work with Ipswich Town. “I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club,” McKenna stated. “We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons, and I’m excited to lead this fantastic club into its first Premier League season in 22 years.”
Under McKenna’s leadership, Ipswich Town has achieved back-to-back promotions, climbing from League One to the Premier League for the first time since 2002. This remarkable turnaround has established McKenna, a former Manchester United assistant first-team coach, as one of the most highly regarded managers in English football. His success with Ipswich was capped by earning the League Managers Association’s Manager of the Year award. This accolade came after guiding the team to a second-place finish in the Championship, just one point shy of title winners Leicester City, and ahead of prominent clubs like Leeds United and Southampton.
Ipswich Town’s performance under McKenna has been nothing short of stellar. The team was the Championship’s top scorer with 92 goals, and their ascent was built on a squad largely unchanged from their League One promotion in the 2022-23 season. Over McKenna’s two full seasons at Portman Road, Ipswich recorded 56 wins and 26 draws in 92 league matches, suffering only 10 defeats. This consistency and success have rejuvenated the club and its supporters, heralding a new era of optimism.
Mark Ashton, Ipswich Town’s chief executive officer, highlighted the importance of McKenna’s new contract amidst recent speculation. “Success brings its own challenges, and there has been considerable speculation in recent weeks,” Ashton said. “For Kieran to have signed a new contract is a significant boost, heading into such an important campaign.”
McKenna’s decision to remain with Ipswich Town signals his commitment to continuing the club’s upward trajectory and tackling the challenges of Premier League competition. His leadership and strategic acumen have not only restored pride to the Suffolk club but also positioned Ipswich Town as a formidable presence in English football’s top tier.
