Kieran McKenna, who oversaw Ipswich Town’s remarkable ascent to the Premier League, has inked a new contract to stay in charge of the Suffolk club.
A week ago, it seemed likely that the 38-year-old would turn down any fresh offer from the team. However, he has now signed a new contract with the tractor boys.
He was shortlisted by Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino and had been linked to the Brighton position, however he withdrew from consideration for the Stamford Bridge position on Sunday.
“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 told Ipswich Town’s official website.
Who is Kieran McKenna: Age, Personal life, Football and managerial career
Kieran McKenna is 38years. He was born in 1986 in London but raised in Fermanagh county in Ireland.
Kieran McKenna Personal life
McKenna is married with two kids. He his also known as a die-hard Manchester united fan.
Kieran McKenna Early Football playing career
McKenna began his playing career as a youth team player at Ennis Killen Town United and Ballinamallard United. In 2002, he joined Tottenham Hotspur as a youth player under a scholarship contract.
In his football playing career he represented Northern Ireland at U19 and U21 levels. This led to him being made the captain of the under 19 at the 2005 UEFA European Under-19 Championship by coach Mal Donaghy. However, in 2009 an ongoing hip injury led McKenna to take an early retirement at the age of 22years.
Kieran McKenna Coaching Career
Kieran McKenna began his couching career while pursuing Sports science Degree at Loughborough university in England. While still a student, McKenna worked as a couch at Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, and Vancouver Whitecaps.
After his graduation from Loughborough college, McKenna joined Tottenham as the head of academy performance and analysis and Despite being offered a position in Liverpool, McKenna declined the opportunity and remained with the spurs coaching various groups. He was later promoted to be in charge of the spurs under18 football club. In his time here, he led the Tottenham under 18 team to the semifinals in the FA youth cup in 2015.
Kieran McKenna Time with Manchester united
In 2016, he left Tottenham for Manchester united, where he became the coach to the Manchester under18s. He led the young stars to winning the premier league northern division title. He was later promoted to become the club’s assistant manager in 2018, working under Jose Mourinho. McKenna maintained his position till November 2021.
Kieran McKenna Managerial Career
McKenna officially began his managerial career in 2021 when he was appointed as the League One manager in Ipswich town under a three and a half years contract. This was followed by a remarkable improvement for the club. Under Mckenna’s lead, Ipswich beat their previous record of 547points for not conceding to a goal. Despite the huge improvement, Ipswich finished in the 11th place in league one, automatically disqualifying them from taking part in League one playoffs. Though they did end the season with a win against Charlton Athletic in the 2021-22 season.
Since his appointment he has quickly moved the club forward, in the 2022-23 season, McKenna led Ipswich to secure a second position in the League one, automatically getting a promotion to the EFL championship. This also led to Kieran McKenna to be awarded the EFL League one manager of the month award in march 2023. During the end of this season in April, McKenna also signed a new four-year contract, extending his appointment as Ipswich Town Fc manager.
In the 2023-24 season, Ipswich exceptional performance continued. With four wins and draw, McKenna was again awarded the Champion Manager of the month of September. He also picked the award for the second time in March 2024 after Ipswich won 4 out of five matches in the EFL championship.
In his latest achievement, McKenna also steered Ipswich to a second position in the EFL championship which lead to a promotion to take part in the 2024-25 premier league after 22years of exile. Leading to him being awarded the EFL championship manager of the season 2023-24.
