‘He will possibly stay’: Pundit on Ipswich Town boss future

Carlton Palmer believes Kieran McKenna’s support from the Ipswich Town owners will assist convince the manager to continue at the club.

During his two years at Portman Road, the Northern Irishman has received a lot of positive feedback.

He has led the Tractor Boys back to the Championship, with the team immediately entering the promotion race at the top of the second division standings.

This has inevitably sparked conjecture about his future, with Crystal Palace reportedly interested in the 37-year-old.

McKenna has so far been loyal to Ipswich, but his resolve may be tested in the near future.

McKenna “more than likely to stay” according to Carlton Palmer.

Palmer believes McKenna’s move to Palace is improbable given the backing he has got from the Ipswich owners.

He has alleged that the manager would only leave for a team larger than the Eagles.

“Kieran McKenna has done a fantastic job at Ipswich Town,” Palmer told Football League World.

“At the present, they’re struggling to persuade him, and that’s because he’s been backed by the owners, and he’s been backed again in the January transfer window.

“The club is financially stable, and he hopes to make history by securing back-to-back promotions with Ipswich.

I believe the tide has shifted slightly, as I expected, with Leeds and Southampton both coming on strong.

“Those three clubs will compete for the second automatic slot.

“If Ipswich miss out on that, as I feel they will, I still believe Southampton will be promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs.

So, if they didn’t get promoted, would he go or stay?

“I believe he will consider his future at Crystal Palace, and I believe he will remain at Ipswich.

“If he were to leave Ipswich, it would be for one of the bigger jobs, no disrespect to Crystal Palace.”

Ipswich Town league position

Ipswich have impressed many with their Championship achievements this season.

The Suffolk side is presently fourth in the rankings, three points behind second-place Leeds but with a game in hand.

McKenna’s team will face Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.

Ipswich have won only two of their last ten league games heading into their match against the Swans.

McKenna’s dedication to Ipswich bode well.

Palmer makes a compelling case that McKenna’s support in the transfer market may be important in gaining his loyalty.

Most Championship managers would like a promotion to the Premier League.

McKenna, on the other hand, may be confident in his ability to lead Ipswich to the top flight this season or next.

In such instance, sticking with the team he knows well and the fans who will support him until the finish may be a wiser option than risking transferring clubs.