Time to find out the latest on Chelsea, Brighton and Man Utd as Kieran McKenna looks set to stay at Ipswich Town despite all the speculation.
The Athletic report that the 38 year old is to put an end to the talk surrounding his future by signing a new long-term contract with the Tractorboys.
McKenna has gained huge respect as a coach in English football, particularly after guiding them back to the Premier League for the first time since 2002.
🚨 Kieran McKenna expected to sign new long-term contract with Ipswich Town. 38yo Northern Irishman considered by Chelsea, Man Utd & Brighton but set to end speculation by committing future to #ITFC after securing promotion to Premier League @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/8NLmgWnblP
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 27, 2024
His remarkable achievements at Portman Road, in his first managerial role, have attracted interest from other clubs who had been keen to lure him away, being considered a top contender to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, was linked to a potential return to his former club, Manchester United, as well as Brighton as a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi.
Ipswich’s 2nd place finish in the 2023/24 season made them the first club since Southampton in 2012 to produce back-to-back promotions from League One to the top flight.
Before Ipswich, McKenna had a five year spell at Man Utd, initially as the U18s coach and then as part of the coaching staff under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
In 2021, he become Ipswich head coach and in his debut season, secure a 2nd place finish, and repeated this in the 2023/24 season, earning Premier League promotion.
His coaching career got underway at Tottenham, being their head of performance at the academy and oversaw the club’s journey to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2016 before leaving to become the under 18s coach at Man Utd.
So what is happening elsewhere?
What does McKenna staying at Ipswich mean for Chelsea, Brighton and Man Utd?
Leicester boss Enzo Maresca in reportedly in pole position to take over from Mauricio Pochettino as head coach of Chelsea, with 44-year-old Italian in advanced talks with club.
The appointment could be made in coming days, with Thomas Frank and Roberto De Zerbi now behind Maresca in the running.
Manchester United have begun a review into Erik ten Hag’s two-year spell at the club, and is said to be potentially staying on.
Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna were all potential candidates for Man Utd.
Brighton have been after McKenna but are now considering a return for Graham Potter as replacement for the departed Roberto De Zerbi.
TIMELINE (via Kaveh Solhekol)
May 22 – Chelsea want to speak to Enzo Maresca in search for Mauricio Pochettino replacement
May 23 – Chelsea expect to appoint a new head coach by the end of next week. Leading candidates Thomas Frank, Enzo Maresca and Kieran McKenna. A high-profile mystery name also under consideration. Chelsea have looked at a small number of other names including Sebastian Hoeness and Roberto De Zerbi. New head coach will sign a longer contract than two-year deal Mauricio Pochettino accepted last summer
May 26 – Final shortlist for Chelsea head coach job: De Zerbi, Frank, Maresca, McKenna. No Xavi. List reflects desire to appoint a dynamic, forward thinking and progressive coach who fits in with the club’s ideology and has experience of coaching in English football at high level
May 26 – Erik ten Hag wants his future at Manchester United cleared up as quickly as possible. Like all managers, he has made a few mistakes, but overall, he believes he has done a very good job in extremely difficult circumstances. He is going on holiday with the feeling that he is the best man for the job. He wants a quick decision because he wants to be working – and winning trophies – at United, or another club if he’s not wanted at Old Trafford, next season. United will start a review of the season this week. No decision or action will happen before that review is complete.
May 27 – Chelsea closing in on making Enzo Maresca their new head coach. Chelsea have been impressed by depth and breadth of his knowledge about their squad in talks with his representatives. Also impressed by his single-minded focus on the way Chelsea want to play and his desire for the job. His obsession with possession and positional play have made him the leading candidate. Chelsea have asked Leicester for permission to speak to Maresca. He is now their preferred choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino. Appointment could be made in the next few days if and when agreement is reached with Leicester. Chelsea willing to pay compensation. Personal terms also need to be agreed. McKenna was told by phone last night that Chelsea were looking elsewhere but they are great admirers of his achievements at Ipswich. Chelsea also like and respect Thomas Frank and everything he has done at Brentford. Roberto De Zerbi was also a leading candidate with a very impressive CV.
May 27 – Erik ten Hag will only be replaced as Man United manager if the club believe there is a better option out there. Final decision on his future is being made in the review United are carrying out now. Ten Hag is waiting for the outcome. He’s convinced he is the best man for the job
May 27 – Enzo Maresca will become the new Chelsea head coach if compensation package can be agreed with Leicester. Leicester due £8m-£10m. Personal terms also need to be agreed with Maresca. He wants the Chelsea job. Chelsea given permission by Leicester City to speak to head coach Enzo Maresca. Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart will fly to Marbella for face-to-face talks with Maresca. Enzo Maresca has completely bought into the strategic vision of Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. They were entrusted by co-owner Behdad Eghbali to lead the recruitment process for the new head coach. Maresca appointment could be just days away.
This is how fans reacted amid the latest on Chelsea, Brighton and Man Utd as Kieran McKenna looks set to stay at Ipswich…
@G72B_: WEEEEEEEVE GOT SUPER KIERAN MCKENNAAAAA 😍 #ITFC
@JC_AFC: I love to see this. Continue his progress with Ipswich and try and help them stay up, before making his next big move.
@falsewinger: Smart decision from McKenna. Wanted him at Chelsea, but this is the best move for him right now.
@clarky_7for19: Marvellous news re McKenna, assuming it comes off. Way I see it is he had his head understandably turned by a couple of big clubs, one of which he quickly realised wasn’t a good fit, and another who was his boyhood club. Key thing is he rejected the worrying offer #itfc
@FulhamTransfer: Good, Ipswich chances of survival rely on him staying.
@Birdiex94x: Huge. Fair play to him and good luck to Ipswich Really intrigued to see how they do with him in the Prem
@mrHoobz: Seeing that sent a shiver through my body from bottom to top!.. knew he wouldn’t break our hearts just yet! Beautiful grey haired bastard. #ITFC
@frankobeng2002: Such a good decision from him
@chelsreport_: Good move from him, let’s see how he gets on in the Prem.
@TheSegITFC: If true, huge. Hopefully get it signed so that we can go back to looking forward and to focusing on next season. #itfc
@PursuitOfTruthB: Congrats to Ipswich btw. No resentment from me, sincerely hope you stay up.
@stuarttthodson: WE DID IT LADS 🤣🤣 Enjoy your fucking summer #itfc
@Chrisabiannn: I’m not crying you’re crying yesssss 😭😭 #ITFC
@IanJamesRuns: Everything crossed that this is true!!! 🤞🤞💙💙🙏🙏 #itfc
@followthetowen: Likely the greatest Ipswich Town manager a lot of us will see in our lifetimes. This will be a huge boost to next season and could well encourage Omari back #itfc
@joshtkbacon: if this news is true, we owe Kieran a massive apology. the amount of pure hatred towards him this last week has been massive 😭 #itfc
@blockyy23: IF true, you would think he’s been promised a fairly healthy transfer budget for the summer as well for him to go and get who he identifies. Let’s hope (if announced soon) we can all look forward to a nice summer! #ITFC
@LesMuttons: He had his head turned…fair enough. Signing the contract is all I give a fuck about. He won’t be our manager forever, but with him staying we have a real chance next season. ##itfc
@kkkaylaface: Please be true!!! 🤞🏻😩💙 #itfc
@crablitt81: The bond between players, fans and ownership has never been stronger and with KMC I felt anything was possible. This whole episode has tainted that relationship; it feels KMC may stay because he couldn’t a deal done with the 3 clubs sniffing round him. We deserved better #itfc
@KaiAlgar87: Celebrations in town when this is official. #itfc
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