Ipswich Town Boss Sends Bold Message In Reaction To His Departure

admin | May 22, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Ipswich Town Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has refused to be dragged into rumors of a move away from Portman Road as Premier League clubs surround.

The 38-year-old has done marvels since taking over the post in 2021. The former Manchester United coach lead the Tractor Boys to promotion in his first full season in command after joining the club midway through the campaign, when they were in mid-table.

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 thought to be interested, following the announcement late last week that Roberto de Zerbi was to stand down. Following Mauricio Pochettino’s surprising departure yesterday, McKenna might join Chelsea, although the Blues are also said to be interested in him.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur teenager added LMA Manager of the Year to his previous Championship Manager of the Season award earlier this week, when he addressed the speculation. Speaking with Sky Sports, he stated:

“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 now under contract until 2027, with Ipswich rumored to be interested in improving his current agreement.

McKenna’s climb to the top has surprised everyone. It is incredible that he has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. It’s not surprising that several of the Premier League’s elite teams are exploring a move.

The Chelsea rumours are new, and they may have some substance. However, the 38-year-old would be foolish to consider trading Portman Road for Stamford Bridge. The Blues aren’t known for giving their manager much time, and he’d have limited room to make mistakes. His best chance would be to stay put for another year and raise his stock by avoiding relegation to Ipswich.