Ipswich Town will begin life back in the Premier League without the manager who masterminded one of the club’s greatest modern success stories. Kieran McKenna has stepped down from his role, ending an impressive spell that transformed the Suffolk side from League One contenders into a top flight outfit.
The 40 year old leaves shortly after guiding Ipswich to second place in the Championship, securing promotion and ensuring the club will compete among English football’s elite during the 2026/27 campaign. His departure marks the conclusion of an extraordinary period that delivered three promotions across four seasons and restored belief throughout the club.
McKenna arrived at Portman Road in December 2021 after leaving his coaching position at Manchester United. At the time, Ipswich were struggling to establish themselves in League One. Under his guidance, fortunes quickly changed. He steered the team back into the Championship at the end of his first full campaign before continuing the momentum that eventually brought Premier League football back to the club after a 22 year absence.
His achievements earned widespread recognition across English football. In 2024, he claimed the League Managers Association Manager of the Year award, finishing ahead of renowned coaches Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta following successive promotion winning seasons.
Despite recently being linked with Fulham following Marco Silva’s exit, McKenna explained that his decision was motivated by personal reasons rather than a move elsewhere. After several demanding years in management, he revealed his intention to step away from the game for a period and spend valuable time with his family.
During his tenure, McKenna oversaw 222 matches and recorded 105 victories, statistics that underline the impact he made at Portman Road. Although he still had two years remaining on the four year contract he signed in 2024, both parties will now move in different directions.
Club chairman Mark Ashton admitted he was deeply disappointed to lose a manager who had become synonymous with the club’s recent revival. Ashton praised McKenna’s contribution, describing his accomplishments as worthy of comparison with some of Ipswich Town’s most celebrated figures.
Attention now turns to finding a successor capable of continuing the progress. Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, currently in charge of Strasbourg, has emerged as one of the names being considered. Whoever takes over will inherit a club transformed by McKenna’s vision, leadership and unforgettable success.
