Kieran McKenna, the current manager of Ipswich Town, has decided to stay with the club despite receiving interest from top Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Brighton. According to sources at ESPN, McKenna has already engaged in discussions to extend his contract with Ipswich as they prepare for their first season back in the Premier League since 2002. One of the reasons cited for McKenna’s decision to remain at Ipswich is his sense of “loyalty” towards the club, which gave him his first managerial role back in 2021. He believes that there is “unfinished business” following their promotion from the Championship, and he is determined to see it through.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea have expressed interest in McKenna, recognizing his potential and talent as a manager. Sources at ESPN have disclosed that McKenna was even interviewed by Brighton after they parted ways with their former manager, Roberto De Zerbi, at the end of the season. However, any club looking to appoint McKenna would have had to pay a substantial compensation fee of around £6 million ($7.7m). This amount increased to £4 million due to Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier League, further solidifying his value in the managerial market.
McKenna’s coaching career began at Tottenham Hotspur as the under-18s coach before he made the move to Manchester United in the same role in August 2016. He quickly climbed the ranks and was eventually promoted to Jose Mourinho’s first-team backroom staff in 2018. Despite Mourinho’s departure and the subsequent arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjær, McKenna’s position remained secure until late 2021. His time at Ipswich has been marked by back-to-back second-place finishes, indicating his ability to lead a team to success.
Kieran McKenna’s decision to remain at Ipswich Town showcases his dedication and commitment to the club. Despite interest from top clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Brighton, McKenna prioritizes loyalty and sees potential in the project he has started at Ipswich. His rising stock in English football only solidifies his position as a promising young manager with a bright future ahead of him.
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