Kieran McKenna has signed a new deal that will see him stay at Ipswich Town until 2028.
McKenna had been linked to several big clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brighton & Hove Albion, but he has decided to pledge his future to Portman Road.
The Fermanagh native has had a phenomenal time at Ipswich since arriving there in 2022. A promotion to the Championship from League One was followed by a promotion from the Championship to the Premier League. His work this season has seen him win the 2024 League Managers Association's Manager of the Year award, beating Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to the honor.
Speaking after signing his new deal, McKenna said, “I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club.
“We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons, and I’m excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading this fantastic club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years.
“Preparation and planning for the challenge ahead have been ongoing since we won promotion at the beginning of May, with plenty of work still to do before the start of the new season at what is such an exciting time for everyone at the club.
🎥 Mark Ashton and Kieran McKenna following the news that the Manager has penned a new four-year deal at Portman Road. ⤵️
— I(P)SWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) May 30, 2024
“I am so happy to have committed my future to taking the next step with Ipswich Town, and I am really excited for what's ahead as we continue this journey together.”
Town CEO Mark Ashton added, “We are delighted Kieran has further committed his future to the club.
“Success brings its own challenges, and there has been considerable speculation in recent weeks, but Kieran and I have continued to communicate throughout, often several times a day, as we plan for the club’s first Premier League season in a generation.
“For Kieran to have signed a new contract is a significant boost, heading into such an important campaign, as we continue the hard work in preparation for the coming season.”
Assistant Manager Martyn Pert, First-Team Coaches Charlie Turnbull and Lee Grant, and Head of Goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin have also extended their contracts.
