Ipswich have announced that head coach Kieran McKenna has resigned just weeks after winning promotion to the Premier League, indicating he wants some time away from the dugout.
Kieran McKenna quits his job at Ipswich Town
Kieran McKenna has chosen to step down as manager just weeks after leading Ipswich to the Premier League.
The former Manchester United assistant is the club’s most successful manager in recent times, having been promoted from the Championship twice and taking charge when the team was in the third tier.
A statement from the club said: “While Kieran was at the forefront of one of the most successful eras in Ipswich Town’s history, leading the team to three promotions in the past four years and taking the Blues to the Premier League on two of those occasions, Kieran has decided to take time away from football management.”
“He is leaving Portman Road after a second promotion to the top flight, which once again sparked jubilant celebrations and highlighted the bond between the club and its supporters, which has grown tremendously over his five years in charge.
“Kieran’s fierce dedication and unparalleled work ethic represent what the club is all about and we leave with the best wishes and thanks of everyone at Ipswich Town for his contribution to creating memories that will last a lifetime.”
McKenna’s job at the Tractor Boys is thought to be heavily linked with the Fulham job, which recently became vacant after Marco Silva left at the end of his contract.
McKenna arrived at Ipswich in December 2021 and guided the Tractor Boys back to the Championship as they finished second in League One in their first full season. They finished second behind Leicester and won 12 of their first 14 games, securing back-to-back promotions.
Kieran McKenna has won three promotions for Ipswich (Image: Getty Images)
Despite returning to the top flight for the first time since 2002, they struggled to keep the club in the Premier League. Ipswich finished the season in 19th place with just four wins, some 16 points adrift. McKenna recovered and secured second place despite the departure of key players last season, but has now chosen to withdraw.
The former United manager, who worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has seen his reputation skyrocket since joining the club. As a result, he has been linked with several big jobs, including a return to Old Trafford.
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