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McKenna managed Ipswich for the past five seasons. He joined the club when they were in League One, the third tier of English football. In 2024, he successfully guided them from the Championship back to the top flight. This marked an immediate return to the Premier League after their previous relegation.
“The work Kieran has done for this football club over the last five years is nothing short of incredible,” stated club CEO Mark Ashton regarding the departing manager.
“To achieve three promotions in four seasons, in your first managerial role, is an accomplishment that means Kieran is now rightly ranked alongside the legends of this club. The mark he, his staff, and his players have left on Ipswich Town and its community will live forever,” Ashton was quoted by AFP.
McKenna's name had been linked with the managerial position at Fulham, but the Northern Irish coach has opted for a complete break from football. “It is with gratitude, pride, sadness, and contentment that I have decided to step down as manager of this historic football club,” McKenna said in a statement.
“When you have such a strong bond as we have built at this club, there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, I feel now is the right time for me to step away. Having dedicated so much to this role over the past five seasons, I am now looking forward to taking a break from coaching and spending some time with my family, who have been with me every step of the way throughout my career so far.”
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