Ipswich manager confesses he wants to manage in the Premier League after…

Kieran McKenna has revealed his ambitions to manage in the Premier League

The Ipswich boss has been linked with Palace as a replacement for Roy Hodgson.

Jack Grealish has had no luck… he’ll now be fretting over his Euros place – It’s All Kicking Off podcast

Kieran McKenna, manager of Ipswich Town, has revealed that he wants to manage in the Premier League after being linked with the job of succeeding Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace.

The 37-year-old has taken Ipswich to within three points of the Championship’s automatic promotion spots after a commanding 2-1 victory over Swansea on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Palace head to Goodison Park on Monday looking for a game-changing victory.

Mail Sport reported that 76-year-old Hodgson’s second spell at Palace will end prematurely as officials begin their hunt for a long-term replacement capable of lifting the club out of the Premier League’s relegation zone and laying the groundwork for future success.

McKenna led Ipswich to the Championship in his debut managerial campaign last year and has continued to impress as they compete with Leeds and Southampton for the second automatic promotion spot next season, while Leicester lead the table.

The Northern Irishman previously served as a coach at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before leaving to take over as Ipswich manager in 2021, and he believes he is now ready for a key job in the English Premier League.

McKenna carefully considered his response when asked about his credentials for the Palace position, saying: “I believe there are really good managers at every level.”

‘I’ve worked as a first-team coach in the Premier League, contributing significantly to some major wins and successful seasons, so I understand the level, have operated at it, and can work with players at that level, and believe I can help players and teams at that level.

‘I believe that eventually in my career, that is where I want to work and have an influence, but I believe that other coaches in the chain can do the same.

‘I’m loving my position here; it’s a beautiful football club and a great group to work with, and that’s where the focus is right now, along with the really good season we’re having,’ he continued.

Oliver Glasner, the former manager of Eintracht Frankfurt, is also a candidate to replace Hodgson, along with Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui.
Hodgson was scheduled to answer questions regarding his future at Selhurst Park on Friday, but he did not attend his pre-match press conference after becoming ill after a morning training session and being brought to the hospital for tests.

The former England manager is seeking medical advice before deciding on his football future, but he is anticipated to walk down from his position at Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Ipswich continues to thrive under McKenna’s leadership, having recovered from a post-Christmas dip.

Nathan Broadhead and Conor Chaplin scored in Wales, following a Jerry Yates goal, to give them a crucial 2-1 victory over Swansea.