Kieran McKenna Signs New Deal to Lead Ipswich Town in Premier League Return
Kieran McKenna has put pen to paper on a new four-year contract to continue as the manager of Ipswich Town, following the club’s remarkable journey to the Premier League. The 38-year-old’s decision to stay at Portman Road comes as a surprise, as it was previously believed that he would reject any new offer from the club. McKenna had been linked with the managerial positions at Brighton and Chelsea, but ultimately withdrew from the race for the Stamford Bridge job.
Expressing his excitement about the new deal, McKenna stated, “I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club. We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons and I’m excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading this fantastic club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years.”
Under McKenna’s guidance, Ipswich Town achieved back-to-back automatic promotions, propelling them from League One to the Premier League for the first time since 2002. Their impressive performance in the Championship saw them finish just one point behind title winners Leicester City, earning McKenna the coveted League Managers Association’s manager of the year award. This accolade placed him ahead of renowned managers such as Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
Despite having a modest budget compared to other clubs in the Championship, Ipswich Town displayed their attacking prowess by scoring 92 goals, the highest in the division. They finished above Leeds United and Southampton, both of whom had significantly larger budgets after being relegated from the Premier League the previous season. In his two full seasons at the helm, McKenna’s team won 56 matches, drew 26, and suffered only 10 defeats in 92 league games.
Mark Ashton, Ipswich’s CEO, highlighted the significance of McKenna’s contract extension, stating, “Success brings its own challenges and there has been considerable speculation in recent weeks. For Kieran to have signed a new contract is a significant boost, heading into such an important campaign.”
The new deal will make McKenna one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League, demonstrating the club’s commitment to retaining their successful leader. This move also provides stability for Ipswich Town, as the compensation required for McKenna and his assistant Martyn Pert will increase significantly. Previously, the compensation fee was around £4 million.
Senior football news reporter Nick Mashiter provided analysis on the situation, highlighting that Ipswich Town has handled the interest in McKenna with composure, refusing to be distracted by external speculation. This united front was evident at the League Managers Association dinner, where McKenna was awarded LMA Manager of the Year. It is clear that both McKenna and the club view this period as “business as usual.”
Mashiter also discussed the previous interest from Crystal Palace and Brighton in McKenna, emphasizing that despite plans to leave Portman Road this summer, McKenna chose to sign a new deal due to dwindling options and to maintain a positive relationship with Ipswich Town. The focus now shifts to ensuring that the club remains competitive in the Premier League and avoids any unnecessary distractions during the upcoming transfer window.
McKenna’s tenure at Ipswich Town has been mutually beneficial for both parties. When the club failed to gain promotion in the 2021-22 season, there was still confidence in McKenna’s ability to build a strong team and establish a winning culture in League One. Since then, Ipswich Town has made significant strides and continued to improve under his leadership.
As the Tractor Boys prepare for their long-awaited return to the Premier League, McKenna’s new contract signals a belief in his managerial capabilities and a commitment to achieving success at the highest level. Ipswich Town fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead, led by a manager who has already proven his ability to guide the team to new heights.