- Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year contract with Ipswich Town
- The 38-year-old has led the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions
- Are Pep’s City the best the Premier League has ever seen? Listen to the podcast It’s All Kicking Off
Kieran McKenna has signed a four-year contract with Ipswich Town, the club has confirmed.
It raises questions about his future after he has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton in recent weeks.
McKenna has guided the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions to the Premier League after finishing 12th in League One in December 2021.
“I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club,” said McKenna, whose contract runs until 2028.
‘We have had incredible success together over the last two seasons and I am delighted to have the opportunity and responsibility to lead this fantastic club to its first season in the Premier League in 22 years.
Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year contract with Ipswich Town after joining in 2021
The 38-year-old has guided Ipswich to successive promotions to the Premier League
‘The preparation and planning for the challenge ahead has been underway since we won promotion at the beginning of May, and there is still a lot of work to do before the start of the new season, at an exciting time for everyone at the Club.
“I am so pleased to have committed my future to taking the next step with Ipswich Town and am very excited about what lies ahead as we continue this journey together.”
Manchester United held talks with McKenna ahead of the FA Cup final in case they sack Erik ten Hag.
He is a youth fan of the Red Devils and was previously their assistant manager.
On Sunday, Chelsea’s sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart personally called McKenna to tell him he would not be replacing Mauricio Pochettino.
Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is about to be unveiled as their new boss.
Meanwhile, he had emerged alongside Graham Potter as a leading candidate for the Brighton job after Roberto De Zerbi left the Amex at the end of the season.
The guard reports that his new deal at Portman Road makes him one of the highest paid managers in England.
His work at Ipswich has taken them back to the top flight for the first time since 2001-02
McKenna was previously assistant manager of Manchester United and is a supporter
Mark Ashton, CEO of Ipswich Town, said: “We are pleased that Kieran has further committed his future to the club.
‘Success brings its own challenges and there has been a lot of speculation in recent weeks, but Kieran and I have continued to communicate throughout, often several times a day, as we plan for the Club’s first Premier League season in a generation.
“The fact that Kieran has signed a new contract is a major boost heading into such an important season, as we continue the hard work in preparation for the season ahead.”
Ipswich will embark on their first Premier League season since 2001-02 after sealing promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.
His performances at a previously in decline side had made him one of the most sought-after managers in the country.
More to follow.