Kieran McKenna to sign 'huge' contract to stay at Ipswich

Kieran McKenna, the mastermind behind Ipswich Town's remarkable rise to the Premier League, is poised to put an end to speculation about his future by signing a new long-term contract with the club.

This move signifies a significant commitment from both McKenna and Ipswich Town as they prepare for their first top-flight campaign since 2002.

The 38-year-old's new deal is set to include what we understand to be a 'significant' release clause which could see Ipswich pocket substantial compensation should McKenna leave the club.

Kieran McKenna is also set for a 'huge' increase in his salary package, what we believe to be in the region of £4.5-5 million per year.

Appointed in 2021, McKenna guided the club from mid-table in League One to the Premier League in just two seasons.

This summer, McKenna has emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches in the country, and was in advanced talks with Brighton & Hove Albion to replace Roberto De Zerbi as their first-team head coach.

But McKenna may see Vincent Kompany's big move to Bayern Munich as inspiration to stay on as head coach at Portman Road, with his stock likely to be even higher next year if he can keep Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

McKenna's tenure at Ipswich Town has been nothing short of extraordinary. Taking over from Paul Cook with the team languishing in 12th place in League One, he orchestrated a dramatic turnaround.

In his debut season, Ipswich finished second, securing promotion to the Championship.

The following season, they replicated this success, finishing as runners-up and earning a historic promotion to the Premier League.

This achievement makes Ipswich the first team since Southampton in 2012 to achieve back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

Kieran McKenna's coaching career is marked by a steady rise through the ranks. A Loughborough sports science graduate, McKenna began his journey with Spurs, where he served as head of performance at the club’s academy.

He then moved to Manchester United, initially as the U18 coach, before joining the senior team's coaching staff under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. His roles at these prestigious clubs equipped him with the skills and experience that have been pivotal in his success at Ipswich.

With McKenna at the helm, Ipswich Town fans have every reason to be optimistic about next season. The club's return to the Premier League marks a new chapter, filled with challenges and opportunities.

As Ipswich prepare for the 2024-25 season, the club will aim to establish itself in the Premier League, building on the solid foundation with some smart recruitment expected in the coming weeks and months.

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