Kieran McKenna has resigned as manager of Ipswich Town, weeks after guiding the club to promotion to the Premier League. McKenna stated that his departure from Portman Road is due to a desire to take a break from football and spend more time with his family.
McKenna took charge of the Tractor Boys in 2021 and led them to three promotions over four seasons. Two of these promotions have brought the club into the top flight, with Ipswich Town set to play among the elite in the 2026-27 season after finishing as runners-up in the Championship in May.
In a statement, McKenna said he felt it was the right time to step aside, expressing pride in the progress made and optimism for the club’s future. He added that after dedicating so much to the role over the past five seasons, he looks forward to taking a break from management to be with his family.
McKenna’s tenure and achievements
McKenna left a first-team coaching position at Manchester United to join Ipswich when they were in League One in December 2021. He guided Ipswich back into the second tier of English football at the end of his first full season.
In 2024, McKenna received the League Managers Association’s manager of the year award. This recognition followed back-to-back promotions that brought the club into the Premier League after a 22-year absence. He won 105 of his 222 games in charge.
The football displayed during the first two promotion-winning campaigns was described as the best at Ipswich Town in a generation. A group of players thrived under McKenna’s leadership, contributing to the club’s success.
Despite some criticism leading up to the new year, particularly after relegation from the top flight and a slow start to the most recent campaign in the second tier, Ipswich secured their return to English football’s top table. This was aided by two wins over Championship leaders Coventry City and the club’s first East Anglian derby victories in over a decade.
Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton expressed his disappointment at losing McKenna, acknowledging his significant impact. Ashton stated that achieving three promotions in four seasons in a first managerial role places McKenna among the club’s legends.
Ashton also noted that McKenna, his staff, and players have left a lasting mark on Ipswich Town and its community, capturing a generation of fans. McKenna had two years remaining on his contract, having signed a four-year deal in 2024.
Looking ahead for Ipswich Town
McKenna’s departure leaves Ipswich Town in a strong position for his successor. The club is now an attractive proposition for a new manager, with the team set to compete in the Premier League.
The club’s travelling support has enjoyed memorable away days, and Portman Road has experienced a resurgence. McKenna’s statement on the final day of the season and his latest comments indicate that his dedication to the role came at a personal cost, leading to his decision to take a break.
The focus for chairman Mark Ashton will now be on finding a new manager to guide the team through the transition to the Premier League. Ipswich Town will play in the Premier League in the 2026-27 season.
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Source: bbc.com
