McKenna resigns as Ipswich boss weeks after securing Premier League promotion

Kieran McKenna has resigned as Ipswich Town head coach, the club confirmed, departing just weeks after leading the Tractor Boys back to the Premier League for the second time in three seasons.

McKenna, who joined Ipswich in December 2021 when the club were in League One, oversaw three promotions in four years — a run that stands as the most successful era in the club’s recent history. His exit comes despite strong ties to the fanbase and widespread praise for his work at Portman Road.

In a club statement, Ipswich said McKenna had chosen “to take time away from football management” following the second of two top-flight promotions under his stewardship. “He departs with the best wishes and gratitude of all at Ipswich Town for a contribution that has created memories which will last a lifetime,” the statement read.

McKenna’s first full season at the club ended with a League One title runners-up finish, returning Ipswich to the Championship. He then guided them to second place in the second tier — winning 12 of their opening 14 matches — to earn promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2002. After a difficult debut top-flight campaign in which Ipswich finished 19th, 16 points from safety and winning just four league games, McKenna steadied the ship to secure second place in the Championship last term and an immediate return to the Premier League.

The former Manchester United assistant, who worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford, has seen his reputation grow considerably during his time in Suffolk, attracting links to several high-profile vacancies including his former club. Most recently, he has been connected with the Fulham head coach role, which became available after Marco Silva departed upon the expiry of his contract.