Ipswich Town are preparing for life after the shock announcement that highly-rated manager Kieran McKenna has decided to leave Portman Road.
The news, confirmed on Wednesday, brings to an end one of the most successful managerial reigns in the club’s modern history and leaves Ipswich facing a hugely important decision on who will lead the next chapter.
McKenna arrived at Portman Road in December 2021, with Ipswich remaining in League One and looking to find a way back into the upper echelons of English football.
What followed exceeded even the most optimistic predictions.
The former Man United manager transformed the club on and off the pitch, implementing an engaging style of football and creating a winning culture that quickly brought supporters and team together.
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Promotion from League 1 is now assured in 2023, ending a four-year stay in the third division.
However, it turned out that the results were just the beginning.
Ipswich followed this up with another remarkable campaign, winning promotion to the Premier League and making one of the most impressive breakthroughs in English football in recent years.
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McKenna’s reputation has rapidly grown during this period, with many observers seeing him as one of the brightest young managers in the game, and he has recently been linked with Premier League rivals such as Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Ipswich continued to show ambition and belief under his leadership, even when faced with the challenge of playing against some of the biggest clubs in the country.
His ability to develop players, develop young talent and establish a clear identity made him hugely popular among supporters.
For many fans, McKenna’s departure marks the end of a memorable era.
The club’s growth from a struggling side in Ligue 1 to an established team capable of competing at a higher level will always be closely linked to his work.
Now the focus is on who can replace him.
Ipswich eye former Wolves manager Gary O’Neill
Ipswich are expected to target former Wolves manager Gary O’Neill as they begin their search for a new head coach, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.
The 42-year-old currently plays for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg and will need to be compensated, but he remains highly regarded in the football world.
O’Neill developed a strong reputation during his time at both Bournemouth and Wolves, winning praise for his tactical flexibility and ability to make the most of available resources.
Those qualities could make him an attractive candidate for Ipswich’s hierarchy.
Replacing McKenna will not be easy.
The outgoing manager leaves with high expectations and whoever takes his place will soon face comparisons to the man who led the club through an era of success.
That said, O’Neill possesses a number of traits that Ipswich would be looking for.
He has experience in developing teams, understands the demands of English football and has shown that he can organize teams effectively against stronger opponents.
Importantly, he also already has Premier League experience on his resume.
This could be seen as a huge advantage as Ipswich look to maintain the momentum created under McKenna.
No appointment has been finalized at this stage and the club will likely consider a number of options before making a final decision.
But Mr Crook’s report suggests that discussions have begun behind the scenes and that Mr O’Neill is firmly within the framework.
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