Key facts
- Kieran McKenna has resigned as Ipswich Town manager.
- McKenna guided Ipswich to promotion to the Premier League.
- The manager stated he is taking a break from football management.
- McKenna previously managed Ipswich from League One to the Championship.
- Gary O'Neil is considered a potential successor.
Kieran McKenna has resigned as the manager of Ipswich Town, just weeks after leading the club back to the Premier League. The club announced the surprise decision on Wednesday, stating that McKenna wishes to take time away from football management to focus on his family.
McKenna, 40, took charge of Ipswich in December 2021 when they were in League One. He achieved promotion in his first full season (2022-23) and replicated the feat the following year, securing second place in the Championship to return the club to England's top flight for the first time since 2001. He had two years remaining on his contract signed in May 2024.
In a statement, McKenna expressed a "mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment" about his departure. He noted that after dedicating so much to the role over five seasons, he felt it was the right time to step aside. Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton praised McKenna's achievements, highlighting his success in securing three promotions in four seasons as a first-time manager and the significant impact he has had on the club and its community.
Gary O'Neil, formerly of Wolves and currently coaching Strasbourg, is reportedly a strong contender among multiple candidates being considered to replace McKenna. Ipswich has contingency plans in place for such an exit, which will now be accelerated.