Ipswich eyeing ex-Wolves manager to replace Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town are preparing for life after Kieran McKenna following the shock announcement that the highly-rated manager has decided to leave Portman Road.

The news, confirmed on Wednesday, brings an end to one of the most successful managerial reigns in the club’s modern history and leaves Ipswich facing a hugely important decision over who will lead the next chapter.

McKenna arrived at Portman Road in December 2021 with Ipswich sitting in League One and searching for a way back towards the upper reaches of English football.

What followed exceeded even the most optimistic expectations.

The former Man United coach transformed the club both on and off the pitch, implementing an attractive style of football and creating a winning culture that quickly reconnected supporters with the team.

Promotion from League One was secured in 2023, ending a four-year stay in the third tier.

However, that achievement proved to be only the beginning.

Ipswich followed it up with another remarkable campaign, earning promotion to the Premier League and completing one of the most impressive rises English football has seen in recent years.

McKenna’s reputation grew rapidly during that period, with many observers viewing him as one of the brightest young managers in the game, earning him links to Premier League rivals like Fulham and Crystal Palace recently.

Even when faced with the challenge of competing against some of the country’s biggest clubs, Ipswich continued to show ambition and belief under his leadership.

His ability to improve players, develop young talent and establish a clear identity made him hugely popular among supporters.

For many fans, McKenna’s departure marks the end of a memorable era.

The club’s rise from League One strugglers to an established force capable of competing at a much higher level will always be closely associated with his work.

Attention now turns to who could replace him.

Ipswich eyeing ex-Wolves boss Gary O’Neil

According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Ipswich are expected to target former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil as they begin the search for a new head coach.

The 42-year-old is currently at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, so would require compensation, but remains highly regarded within football circles.

O’Neil built a strong reputation during his spells at both Bournemouth and Wolves, earning praise for his tactical flexibility and ability to maximise the resources available to him.

Those qualities could make him an attractive candidate for Ipswich’s hierarchy.

Replacing McKenna will never be straightforward.

The departing manager leaves behind enormous expectations and whoever takes over will immediately face comparisons with the man who guided the club through such a successful period.

That said, O’Neil possesses many of the characteristics Ipswich may be seeking.

He has experience working with developing squads, understands the demands of English football and has shown he can organise teams effectively against stronger opposition.

Importantly, he would also arrive with Premier League experience already on his CV.

That could be viewed as a significant advantage as Ipswich look to maintain the momentum generated under McKenna.

At this stage, no appointment has been decided, and the club are expected to assess several options before reaching a final decision.

However, Crook’s report suggests O’Neil is firmly in the frame as discussions begin behind the scenes.