Kieran McKenna has committed to Ipswich Town with a new four-year contract, solidifying his position after leading the Suffolk club to a remarkable rise to the Premier League.
The 38-year-old’s new deal at Portman Road was signed despite recent speculation linking him with managerial vacancies at Brighton, Chelsea, and Manchester United. McKenna notably withdrew from contention for the Chelsea job last Sunday.
McKenna expressed his excitement about leading Ipswich into the Premier League after securing back-to-back promotions.
He 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.”
He continued, “Preparation and planning for the challenge ahead have been ongoing since we won promotion at the beginning of May, with plenty of work still to do before the start of the new season. I am so happy to have committed my future to taking the next step with Ipswich Town and am really excited for what’s ahead as we continue this journey together.”
McKenna’s new contract extends his tenure at Ipswich until the summer of 2028. Alongside him, assistant manager Martyn Pert, first-team coaches Charlie Turnbull and Lee Grant, and head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin have also extended their contracts.
Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton commented on the significance of McKenna’s commitment, saying, “We are delighted Kieran has further committed his future to the club. Success brings its own challenges, and there has been considerable speculation in recent weeks.
“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.
“For Kieran to have signed a new contract is a significant boost heading into such an important campaign as we continue the hard work in preparation for the coming season.”
Ipswich followed their promotion from League One with a stellar performance in the Championship, finishing as runners-up to Leicester.
They lost only six matches—the fewest in the Championship by four games—and ended the season with 96 points, scoring a division-high 92 goals.
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