Ipswich Town are heading up to the Premier League after finishing 2nd in the Championship table. ITFC will be eager to put the demons of their last top flight stay in the past, when they finished 19th on just 22 points.
The Tractor Boys will hope they are better equipped to take on the challenge this time around. They have a talented squad and a highly rated boss in Kieran McKenna.
However, as has been common at Portman Road, speculation is circulating around McKenna’s future. He has no shortage of external admirers, and now, talkSPORT has issued a concerning update on his position.
They state that it is ‘increasingly likely’ that McKenna leaves Ipswich Town this summer, with the Northern Irishman emerging as Fulham’s top target to replace Marco Silva. It is added that the boss is ‘keen’ on the move to Craven Cottage, leaving ITFC considering potential replacements.
The big obstacle to any potential Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town exit
Even if McKenna is tempted by interest from elsewhere, the onus is on the admiring club to make a statement move for his services. The boss’ contract with Ipswich Town includes a massive £8m release clause, it is said.
The fee has fended off interest from elsewhere before, and it could do so again. Crystal Palace had eyed McKenna as a potential replacement for Oliver Glasner, but they have moved on to RC Lens boss Pierre Sage.
If someone was willing to pay that money, it is not out of the question that ITFC make a big play to keep McKenna either. He is held in such high regard at Portman Road that they would likely use their deep pockets to try and tempt him into staying.
Ultimately, it could be the ambitions of McKenna and his interested clubs that decide his fate. If he feels the time has come to move on, the Tractor Boys will be better off preparing for the next chapter.
Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town record in all competitions
Games Wins Draws Losses
222 105 64 53
Kieran McKenna exit would be a huge blow for Ipswich Town
McKenna has been crucial in Ipswich Town’s success in recent years. If they are to find success in the Premier League, he would be backed to have a key role once again.
However, the 40-year-old has been eyed for several jobs now, and after fulfilling his ITFC remit once again, he may feel the time has come to take on a new challenge.
There is no hiding what a blow this would be for Ipswich Town. They will be preparing for Premier League football with McKenna at the helm, and after almost five years in charge, it will be a tough job to replace him.
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