McKenna says goodbye to Ipswich Town: 'It was an absolute privilege'

Kieran McKenna has announced his departure as manager of Ipswich Town. The 38-year-old Northern Irishman, who was at the helm for almost five years, calls managing the club "an absolute privilege". After a hectic period of four and a half seasons, in which Ipswich were promoted twice in a row and returned to the Premier League in 2024, he consciously chooses a break to spend time with his family.

In a statement via the club website, McKenna speaks of mixed feelings. "It is with gratitude, pride, sadness and satisfaction that I have decided to step down. After the second promotion to the Premier League and after reflecting on the past few weeks, this feels like the right time," said the departing coach. “We have made tremendous progress and I have great hope and optimism for the future of the club.”


McKenna thanked managing director Mark Ashton and the board for the confidence he received at the age of 35. He also paid tribute to his coaching staff, all employees at Portman Road and Playford Road, and to the players who have represented the club with professionalism and passion in recent years.

His words were particularly warm for the supporters. “Thank you to the wonderful fans of Ipswich Town. I will never forget your support in good and difficult times. Ipswich will always have a special place in our hearts.”

McKenna, previously youth coach at Manchester United and Tottenham, leaves behind a club that made impressive progress under his leadership and is back at the highest level. He made no statements about the next step in his career; first follows a period outside the dugout with his family.