McKenna - on his future at Ipswich Town.

[hallamblue]

IMO our only hope is someone very appealing to Brighton comes out of the woodwork- I really cannot see who that might be, KM is exactly their type of manager.........

Tbh Shabba, I’m amazed that you have so little confidence in KMc’s integrity, or indeed what has gone in at this Club in the last two years! Why on earth would he walk away from what HE has been pivotal to building here, as he has called it “the project”, only to hand it all over to someone else.

Sure Brighton are “ ahead” of us. They’ve been in the PL for a few years now. But have they reached their ceiling? We all know the PL takes mega backing to break into that top 6. Do they have that? We do.

We are now in the same division as them. Tbh when I look at the PL teams visiting us next season, Brighton is one of the games I fancy us in.

If they are such a big catch, and supposedly on the cusp of something big, why is their current manager leaving?

We can of course, never say never in this fickle industry, but as I stated at the start of this, I’d be very disappointed if he chose to leave us for a club like Brighton.

His star is bright atm and over the next few weeks and months EVERY club that is looking for a manager will be linked to our manager.

[marko69]

I'm with mostly everyone here......, he ain't going to Brighton.......

..... adding --->> I sincerely hope Man Utd do not "take a punt" on him....., because he'll go for absolute sure.

[shabba]

I hope I’m wrong!! It’s really got me worried this one. He’d only leave for a few clubs but I felt this might be one of them.

Isn’t their manager linked to some bigger clubs both in England and abroad?

KM would likely leave to step stone to a top six job in another 1-2 years.

Integrity is one thing but he might feel he had taken us pretty far, and now has a chance to move forward a few years in one move

[Mauswara]

I see The Grauniad has KMc linked with Chelsea now.

Twats.

[Bluemike]

KM is currently in discussion with MA regarding new recruits for next season, he won't be going anywhere just yet. I wonder why he was at Stansted Airport this morning, a well earned break maybe, deffo not Brighton beach however.

[Charnwood]

I just hope you guys who don’t think we have a problem are right because I would be less confident of our chances of survival in nexts years Premier League without him as our manager.

[ITFC2024]

Zidane has been linked with ManU, if the rumours are true he's on a different level than KM. Thomas Tuchel is also available. De Zerbi leaving Brighton is interesting, but...why would Brighton replace him with an unproven premier league, young manager? KM has been great at motivating lower tier players, I'm not sure about his ability to motivate higher tiered players and whether or not they would respect him.

Big fish in a small pond, or small fish in a big pond? I honestly believe with the culture and backing of MA & the ownership, KM will be more interested in building what he's already started at ITFC...at least for another season.

[JohnnyB]

My two cents worth on the Brighton job...

I don't think he'll want to go to Brighton because he's got such a good thing going on professionallly (Ashton, control, voice in club development) and personally (kids in schools etc) at Town.

However, the big plus with Brighton is he inherits a premiership squad who will definitely survive and could push on to Europe. If he takes over and manages to get them into top 6 then he's ready for Man U next which let's be honest is where he will go eventually if he continues like this.

So a lot depends on recruitment plans at Ipswich which must be already underway and whether key players can step up. I think he'll want to give it a go with Ipswich but if he feels there's a danger that the squad isn't up to the job, he might make the career decision to leave

[Mauswara]

I'm one of those guys who thinks we don't have a problem.

It's just hacks who couldn't find Suffolk on a map last week after clicks.

[shabba]

I'm one of those guys who thinks we don't have a problem.

It's just hacks who couldn't find Suffolk on a map last week after clicks.

The guardian included in that?!

[Mauswara]

I'm one of those guys who thinks we don't have a problem.

It's just hacks who couldn't find Suffolk on a map last week after clicks.

The guardian included in that?!

You might very well think that ...

[valleyroad]

My two cents worth on the Brighton job...

I don't think he'll want to go to Brighton because he's got such a good thing going on professionallly (Ashton, control, voice in club development) and personally (kids in schools etc) at Town.

However, the big plus with Brighton is he inherits a premiership squad who will definitely survive and could push on to Europe. If he takes over and manages to get them into top 6 then he's ready for Man U next which let's be honest is where he will go eventually if he continues like this.

So a lot depends on recruitment plans at Ipswich which must be already underway and whether key players can step up. I think he'll want to give it a go with Ipswich but if he feels there's a danger that the squad isn't up to the job, he might make the career decision to leave

Great post, 100% how i see.

[Charnwood]

My two cents worth on the Brighton job...

I don't think he'll want to go to Brighton because he's got such a good thing going on professionallly (Ashton, control, voice in club development) and personally (kids in schools etc) at Town.

However, the big plus with Brighton is he inherits a premiership squad who will definitely survive and could push on to Europe. If he takes over and manages to get them into top 6 then he's ready for Man U next which let's be honest is where he will go eventually if he continues like this.

So a lot depends on recruitment plans at Ipswich which must be already underway and whether key players can step up. I think he'll want to give it a go with Ipswich but if he feels there's a danger that the squad isn't up to the job, he might make the career decision to leave

Great post, 100% how i see.

Pretty much how I see it too. If we can survive next season or anything better and build on that in 25/26 and establish ourself as a Premier League club I think he could be with us for a while. It’s clear we’re in the hands of ambitious owners who don’t interfere and let Mark Ashton & Kieran operate freely both off and on the pitch. I think this partnership has longevity in it and huge potential which Inhope we all have the opportunity to enjoy.

[JohnnyB]

My two cents worth on the Brighton job...

I don't think he'll want to go to Brighton because he's got such a good thing going on professionallly (Ashton, control, voice in club development) and personally (kids in schools etc) at Town.

However, the big plus with Brighton is he inherits a premiership squad who will definitely survive and could push on to Europe. If he takes over and manages to get them into top 6 then he's ready for Man U next which let's be honest is where he will go eventually if he continues like this.

So a lot depends on recruitment plans at Ipswich which must be already underway and whether key players can step up. I think he'll want to give it a go with Ipswich but if he feels there's a danger that the squad isn't up to the job, he might make the career decision to leave

Great post, 100% how i see.

Pretty much how I see it too. If we can survive next season or anything better and build on that in 25/26 and establish ourself as a Premier League club I think he could be with us for a while. It’s clear we’re in the hands of ambitious owners who don’t interfere and let Mark Ashton & Kieran operate freely both off and on the pitch. I think this partnership has longevity in it and huge potential which Inhope we all have the opportunity to enjoy.

I'm sure no one's actually on holiday and there must be so really interesting conversations happening right now. Perhaps some surprisingly accomplished players are considering coming to Town but they'll want to make sure Kieron's staying. And in turn, Kieron's no mug and will want the reinforcements he needs to stay in this division and surprise a few.

It's funny earlier today I was feeling less optimistic but now feeling Ashton holding the whole ship together and getting us to the starting line ready to give it a real go is the most likely outcome.

[Charnwood]

To be honest I’m not going to relax until Brighton. Manchester United, Chelsea and West Ham have all appointed new managers and McKenna has confirmed he’s staying with us.

[ITFC2024]

For those who didn't know, when McKenna was head of the academy at Spurs he was offered a role as academy coach at Liverpool. He turned it down and stayed at Spurs.

[marko69]

Yyyyyeah…….. but there are a lot more ££££’s involved now. Cash is a major motivator. And the age old saying of “The club will still be here when the manager is gone” works both ways.
Kieron COULD think….. “They’ll be ok after i’m gone. Someone will carry it on” ——>> then boards a train to Brighton for a toffee apple and a donkey ride, then a connecting train to Manchester.

[Denny61]

Mckenna isn't the sort of guy to leave us high and dry..to actually go out and interview potential managers..then takes time for him to get to know the Club ..facilities training routines ..and get to know the present squad..thats before he goes on to see what players for sale ..to loan out .and then bring in new players to integrate with present .nah ..its not On .if Mckenna left us with all that ..money and power has definitely gone to his head. .

[shabba]

TEAMtalk have been told that Ipswich Town are doing everything in their power to keep boss Kieran McKenna at the club this summer as interest grows from Brighton and potentially his old club Manchester United.

McKenna remarkably led Town to their second successive promotion this season and back to the English top flight for the first time in 22 years as they finished second in the Championship behind Leicester City.

And while the task of preparing for life in the Premier League again has already begun in terms of player recruitment etc, rumours continue to persist over McKenna’s future at the club.

The 38-year-old has rightly earned many plaudits for the work he has done at Portman Road, having previously had coaching stints at Tottenham and United, but success like that inevitably leads to outside interest and that has left Ipswich fretting over whether they can keep McKenna on board.

The Northern Irishman’s efforts have seen him linked with potential moves to Chelsea and United, while Roberto De Zerbi’s impending Brighton exit has now made him one of the top contenders for that job too.

However, TT have been told that Ipswich are doing all they can to convince McKenna to remain in Suffolk, as they prepare to embark on a massive new adventure.

In terms of the clubs linked with the Town boss, Chelsea now appear increasingly likely to keep Mauricio Pochettino on board after ending the current season in scintillating fashion.

United, meanwhile, look increasingly likely to cut their losses with Erik ten Hag but will almost certainly need a bigger name to attract top stars to Old Trafford this summer – especially with no Champions League football as a caveat.

Brighton the likeliest Mckenna destination
So, at this stage, Brighton is the move that makes the most sense, especially as they are the only one of the trio that will have a definite vacancy.

But, for McKenna, is that a big enough switch to give up all the hard work he has done to get Ipswich back to the promised land – you could argue not.


It just remains to be seen how things actually pan out over the coming days and weeks before the new Premier League season gets underway on August 17.

[shabba]

TWTD: Speculation regarding Blues boss Kieran McKenna’s future continues with Brighton, Manchester United and Chelsea all reportedly showing interest in the Town manager.

On Saturday, McKenna emerged as the early favourite to succeed Roberto de Zerbi at Brighton and remains the frontrunner in the betting at 6/4 at time of writing.

However, the departing De Zerbi is reported to have recommended fellow Italian and former colleague Francesco Farioli as his successor.

The highly rated Farioli, De Zerbi’s goalkeeper-coach at Benevento and Sassuolo in Italy, is currently boss of Nice and led them to fifth in Ligue 1 this season.

Elsewhere, according to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have sounded out McKenna and Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim's representatives as potential contingencies should Mauricio Pochettino move on this summer.

The ex-Spurs manager is set to hold talks as part of an end-of-season review in the days to come with his future in question.

The Manchester Evening News claims the Red Devils, who were first linked with McKenna last week, have also spoken to the Blues boss’s people regarding a return to Old Trafford should Erik ten Hag depart in the close season.

Should any of those clubs - or someone else - make a move for the Northern Irishman, it’s reported that the compensation due to Town has increased from £4 million to £6 million following the Blues’ promotion to the Premier League.

Asked about other clubs showing interest in the Northern Irishman by Sky News at the end of last week, Blues CEO Mark Ashton responded: “Those are challenges that success will always bring. I’d certainly rather have the challenges of success than the challenges of failure.

“But Kieran’s been great. He signed a new long-term contract last summer and he’s been in the office, he hasn’t had a day off, he’s been working by my side tirelessly on recruitment and planning and analysis and tactics for next season.”

He added: “He’s been key to us, not only is his tactical and technical ability quite incredible but his values and the way he treats people and the way we work as a team has been key and I’m sure Kieran will be excited about pitting his wits against the best coaches in the world.”

Quizzed about potential interest from other clubs and whether his job at Town isn’t yet done following the 2-0 victory over Huddersfield which secured the Blues’ promotion to the Premier League earlier this month, McKenna said: “No, I love it here, it’s a fantastic club, I’m so proud to be the manager of this football club and I’ve worked so hard at it every day, so I give so much of myself and [so have] the people around me for the last couple of years. I’m just so focused on enjoying that journey.

“That sort of speculation’s been there for the last two years, to be honest, and I’ve shown loyalty to the club through that and I’m really pleased that I’ve stuck with it and achieved what we’ve achieved. There’s some big and exciting steps to come for the football club.”

McKenna is expected at Tuesday night’s LMA Awards where he is a strong contender for the Championship honour and perhaps the overall award won by George Burley in 2001.

The Blues boss has already been named the EFL Manager of the Season.

[shabba]

Alot of if's via the 'should' X happen etc.

Stll fairly worried but the Brighton but gives me some faith as I feel they are the one I'm most worried about, I'd expect Chelsea and UTD to aim for a more established manager with CL experience.

I personally think Potch has done fine at Chelsea, their squad isn't amazing so seems on par with their finish.

[arana peligrosa]

If we hadn't got no promotion and were facing another season at lower league level then would be inclined to think any Brighton Hove Albion link as credible and certain possibility (I don't follow them close and don't always see what they get up to but realize enough they've greatly improved and right now are probably at their strongest and best prepared to challenge than at any other time in their history) but kind of need to ask the question why would McKenna swap one Premier League opportunity for another.

You feel he still has work to do here. After two successive promotions he can only want to continue that journey with the same club set-up and further establish himself as potentially one of the best ever managerial names to ever hold position at Portman Road. He can never really go beyond Ramsey and Robson in terms of overall success or stature but here he has the chance to really position himself within an elite branch of the most illustrious coaches to ever feature at the club name if the consistency of past two years were to continue next season. Managers like players are essentially mercenaries, often looking to better themselves for individual gain so guess it comes down to loyalty to the fans and club regards where McKenna sees his future.

[RRanger]

I think KM will definitely be with us next season but I read earlier today , that like any well run club ,Ipswich have to potentially be looking at alternatives if the worst was to happen ,and top of their list is Rob Edwards the Luton manager : very highly thought of coach and man-manager who almost ,against all the odds ,kept them in the Premier League. I'm positive that KM will stay and I'm sure Ashton is as well. I think KM knows and appreciates the full control (with Ashton) he has at the club ,He knows that he'll be allowed to get the players he wants but equally he won't want any players ,however good they are ,that won't fit HIS idea of the sort of man he wants to work with - he will not recruit any "prima donnas" and I'm sure won't pay any new players vastly more than the general rate that the current players will be on ,and I'm talking about the increased salaries they will all be getting in the Premier League.

[shabba]

I think KM will definitely be with us next season but I read earlier today , that like any well run club ,Ipswich have to potentially be looking at alternatives if the worst was to happen ,and top of their list is Rob Edwards the Luton manager : very highly thought of coach and man-manager who almost ,against all the odds ,kept them in the Premier League. I'm positive that KM will stay and I'm sure Ashton is as well. I think KM knows and appreciates the full control (with Ashton) he has at the club ,He knows that he'll be allowed to get the players he wants but equally he won't want any players ,however good they are ,that won't fit HIS idea of the sort of man he wants to work with - he will not recruit any "prima donnas" and I'm sure won't pay any new players vastly more than the general rate that the current players will be on ,and I'm talking about the increased salaries they will all be getting in the Premier League.

The only chance of keeping salaries sensible is to either recruit from below (champsionship) or try and find some bargains from abroad. If you look at the premier league squads (I've done it) then most players are on 50k+, many closer to 100k! Plenty of surplus to requirement players you could nab off premier league clubs, but their current wages are massive.
It's going to be a real challenge!

[hallamblue]

I think KM will definitely be with us next season but I read earlier today , that like any well run club ,Ipswich have to potentially be looking at alternatives if the worst was to happen ,and top of their list is Rob Edwards the Luton manager : very highly thought of coach and man-manager who almost ,against all the odds ,kept them in the Premier League. I'm positive that KM will stay and I'm sure Ashton is as well. I think KM knows and appreciates the full control (with Ashton) he has at the club ,He knows that he'll be allowed to get the players he wants but equally he won't want any players ,however good they are ,that won't fit HIS idea of the sort of man he wants to work with - he will not recruit any "prima donnas" and I'm sure won't pay any new players vastly more than the general rate that the current players will be on ,and I'm talking about the increased salaries they will all be getting in the Premier League.

How do you know Edwards would be top of Towns list RR, do you have insider info?

[TODD66]

I think KM will definitely be with us next season but I read earlier today , that like any well run club ,Ipswich have to potentially be looking at alternatives if the worst was to happen ,and top of their list is Rob Edwards the Luton manager : very highly thought of coach and man-manager who almost ,against all the odds ,kept them in the Premier League. I'm positive that KM will stay and I'm sure Ashton is as well. I think KM knows and appreciates the full control (with Ashton) he has at the club ,He knows that he'll be allowed to get the players he wants but equally he won't want any players ,however good they are ,that won't fit HIS idea of the sort of man he wants to work with - he will not recruit any "prima donnas" and I'm sure won't pay any new players vastly more than the general rate that the current players will be on ,and I'm talking about the increased salaries they will all be getting in the Premier League.

How do you know Edwards would be top of Towns list RR, do you have insider info?

It was mentioned all afternoon on Talksport in their bulletins.

Can't see anything coming of this though. Why would you leave and go to a club with no history of success in anything??

One whole season of European football after a lower top 10 finish. We must also be the club with the greater financial clout give our current ownership group. We should be looking to be better than Brighton next season.

[RRanger]

It was on a football blog site like football 365 or Team talk - I can't remember which but it seened well researched and made a lot of sense - to me anyway.
The article wasn't saying this was going to happen but the writer was saying that the powers that be at Ipswich were making an "in case" shortlist so that if the worst did happen, he was the type of manager they'd be after.

[Bluemike]

The more I'm reading and hearing I think he's gonna be away unfortunately

[hallamblue]

The fact that the Club hasn't issued any formal statement either way, its the worrying thing for me now. I'm resigned that hes gone.

If its Brighton , I'm REALLY disappointed in him. The other two big PL clubs, ok, Id get that to a certain extent , but would be disappointed , but Brighton ? FFS !!

[shabba]

The club won't make a statement, he has been linked before SO many times to clubs - they'd be forever writing statements .

It is worrying though of course.

However I don't get the 'why brighton' - IMO people aren't seeing the context, you can't say 'oh but this club has bigger history' - right now town are WAY WAY off Brighton, its daft to say otherwise sorry. Football is a fast moving game and managers dont stay for 10 years, history doesn't mean much in their short career time at clubs.
They have a squad much better than us, Sarimento has done well for us yet isn't anywhere near the Brighton first team - just an example!

They bought Joao Pedro for 35m+ and he isn't even a regular starter for them.

Last 3 seasons = 9th, 6th, 11th. Newer stadium, better facilties, stunning recruitment, etc etc. Yes in theory Ipswich has a higher potential as a club, but that would take years of superb management. Brghton are there right now, you could take them - do OK and get a big 6 job in 1-2 years.

They are ahead of at least 8 other Premier league clubs IMO as an attractive job.