Kieran McKenna steps down as Ipswich Town boss in shock decision
· Yahoo Sports
Kieran McKenna has stepped down as Ipswich Town head coach to take a break from football.
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The 40-year-old coach, who had just guided the Tractor Boys back to the Premier League, had been heavily linked with Fulham after Marco Silva’s departure.
Yet McKenna will not take up that job, nor another job, in the near future as he steps away from the spotlight to focus on spending time with his family.
Following confirmation of his departure, Kieran McKenna said: “It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club.
“When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.
“I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.
“To manage this club has been an absolute privilege. Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.
“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far.”
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna during a victory parade in Ipswich (PA)McKenna continued to thank Mark Ashton and the Board for giving him the opportunity “to manage such a massive football club, and for the unwavering support and trust they have shown ever since” as well as thank his coaching staff.
He concluded: “Most importantly, thank you to the amazing fans and supporters of Ipswich Town. You have followed this football club through wonderful highs and difficult lows.
“I will be forever grateful for the way that you welcomed myself and my family, both to the football club and to the county of Suffolk. I will cherish the memories that we have shared together for the rest of my life.
“Ipswich Town will always have a special place in our hearts.”
McKenna was appointed Ipswich Town manager in December 2021, having previously assisted the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time coaching at Manchester United.
He went on to manage 222 games for the Tractor Boys and achieved promotion from League One and promotion to the Premier League twice.
Club chairman Mark Ashton described McKenna’s achievements with Ipswich as 'simply incredible' (PA)Club chairman Mark Ashton described McKenna’s achievements with Ipswich as “simply incredible”.
“Achieving three promotions in four seasons, in what is your first role as a manager, is an achievement which means Kieran is now rightly discussed in the same breath as the legends of this club,” he said in a statement.
“The mark he, his staff and his players have made on Ipswich Town and its community will live forever. It has captured a generation.
“Like so many, I am of course gutted that our journey together has come to an end, but I understand and respect the decision he has made after five incredibly intense years.
“Kieran will be greatly missed but he and his family leave us with our immense gratitude for all he has done. He will always be welcome at Portman Road.”