Ipswich manager McKenna to step down after Premier League promotion

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is leaving the club after guiding them back into the Premier League.

The 40-year-old took the Tractor Boys from League One to the top flight, and delivered another promotion last season after initially being relegated back to the Championship.

He has been heavily linked with other jobs – including the vacancy at Fulham – but Ipswich say he is stepping away from football after an intense five years.

McKenna said: “It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club.

“When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside. I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.

“To manage this club has been an absolute privilege. Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.

“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far.”

McKenna worked as a youth coach at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United before ‌taking a first-team coaching role at United under Michael ​Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.