Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town discusses transfer window…

Manager of Ipswich Town Kieran McKenna acknowledges that the club’s inability to be as “active in the market” as they would like as a result of Financial Fair Play regulations.

Freddie Ladapo and Dane Scarlett were loaned out to Charlton, while George Hirst sustained a long-term injury, so there is a need for striker transfer.

Before the transfer window closes at 11 p.m. on Thursday, Ipswich is reportedly trying to work out seven-figure agreements for Ali Al-Hamidi (AFC Wimbledon) and Sam Gallagher (Blackburn).

At the club’s press conference this afternoon, McKenna stated that “limitations within Financial Fair Play have narrowed the market that we can draw players from” and that there was “nothing fresh to tell” on the striker hunt.

Is the Blues manager irritated by these financial constraints given that the team has record-breaking shirt sales, is supported by a $13 billion US pension fund, and regularly sells out Portman Road?

“I think many managers at other clubs would attest to that, so of course there is a little bit of irritation there,” he responded. That extends beyond the Championship. It is also visible in the league above.

“In any one year, there are very real restrictions on the amount of money you can spend and the amount of losses you can incur. That makes it really difficult to be as aggressive in the market as you would like to be, especially for a club in our situation.

Naturally, we are up against teams that have rosters that are superior to ours going into the season and who also receive additional compensation in the form of parachute bonuses.

“It is what it is, really. Everybody knows what the rules are. To be honest, I do believe that they will change eventually. So that is how I see it. They will be changed.

“There is a strong awareness and consensus within the club that this is the situation we are in. Our goal is to just do the absolute best that we can.”

The Blues manager responded, “There is nothing going to be done by tomorrow, that is for sure,” when asked if any deals were close.

“We still have high hopes for adding players to the squad by the next week. It seems necessary to us. I am confident that the club will exert every effort to see that through.

“The necessity to fill a specific job is increased by the loss of George (Hirst), yet the January timeframe is not simple. The majority of players that would be appealing to us are either highly valued at their present clubs or highly sought after by numerous other teams.

“In every transfer window, but particularly in January, you should always try to get things done as early as possible. Lewis Travis and Jeremy Sarmento were completed ahead of schedule, which pleases me, and they have already had an influence on the squad. In order to add in more regions, we will now need to work really hard right up to the very last day of the timeframe.”

“There are so many different elements, honestly,” the Blues boss continued, elucidating why the January window can be troublesome. Although it would not be appropriate to address every scenario, players who have piqued our interest over several months may suffer injuries by the end of December, at which point your list may alter. Some clubs wish to sign players before they let them leave, while others have the sudden desire to keep their current players. There are numerous variables over which you have no control.

All we need to do is make every effort within our capabilities. All you can do is that. You are hoping that we can draw in some players who can assist us from there.”

When asked if he enjoyed this aspect of his work, McKenna said, “You know, my greatest passion is teaching and developing athletes.” I will constantly be striving to get the most out of the players in the building and working to help them get better.

However, a manager’s job is not done when they stop analyzing their team and striving to find ways to make improvements.

“Over the past two years, we have made some wise choices in that area. Although not every option you make will be successful, you should have a method that you adhere to and use reason when making choices. You make choices that will benefit and safeguard the club in the long run in addition to those that will have an immediate effect. That is how we will keep working.

“Everyone involved with the club is in complete agreement on that. We know exactly where we are and what we are and are not capable of. We are hoping to be able to bolster the team in the manner that we desire and we are working well together on it.