Kieran McKenna set to stay at Ipswich Town with extended contract, confirms Fabrizio Romano

In his latest Daily Briefing newsletter entry, football journalist Fabrizio Romano discussed, among other things, Chelsea’s plans going into the summer, also confirming in the process that Kieran McKenna, manager of the newly-promoted Ipswich Town and pursued by not just Chelsea but also Man United and Brighton, had decided to stay with at Portman Road with an improved contract.

The reputed Italian journalist had this to say on the matter:

“It’s important to clarify another big story on managers as Chelsea called Kieran McKenna to inform him that he was no longer in the race to become their manager. He also had the possibility to go to Brighton but they wanted an answer early this week, while he also had the possibility to wait and see what happened at Manchester United, with the club still reviewing and discussing internally what to do about Erik ten Hag.

“But now, McKenna has decided to commit his future to Ipswich Town. He’s going to extend his contract – everything is almost ready for him to sign a new deal, which will be an important one with big money involved. So, there are no fresh contacts with Chelsea because he’s been informed he’s no longer in the race, and he will stay at Ipswich.

“Credits to Ipswich Town on this one – they’ve been waiting and hoping, offering him an important contract. McKenna has decided to accept after Chelsea told him with direct call that he was out of the shortlist to become the new manager. For Brighton, a decision will be made soon on an alternative to become their next manager.”

McKenna’s stock has skyrocketed ever since he left United’s dressing room to take up the managerial role at Ipswich Town and guided them to back-to-back promotions.

United were being heavily linked with the Northern Irishman but are yet to deliver a final verdict on what’s to become of Erik ten Hag going forward, the Dutchman having delivered the Red Devils their second trophy under him just last week.

For Brighton, on the other hand, the search for Roberto De Zerbi’s successor continues, with a Graham Potter return also reportedly on the cards.

McKenna staying at Ipswich a good thing

McKenna undeniably deserves credit for the astronomical rise he has provided to the Tractor Boys. It is equally reasonable, however, to remark that it’s too soon for him to get a job at a Premier League club with aspirations of making it to the top.

Especially when you take into account the clubs he has been linked with: Chelsea, who have proven themselves to be trigger-happy without silverware under the new regime, and Man United, who are entering a new era under a new sporting ownership and have no pre-existing pedigree of managerial support—two institutions where “long-term” projects are even less likely to come about. McKenna would have most likely come out of either of those clubs with his reputation shattered.

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Now, he has a chance to prove himself in the big time, show everyone how he fares when the going gets tough. It’s unlikely Ipswich would mount another title charge next season, though one can hope. But if McKenna remain on the trajectory he is currently at, big clubs will come for him once again and with more fervour.