Kieran McKenna Resigns as Ipswich Town Manager After Premier League Promotion

Kieran McKenna resigned as Ipswich Town manager just weeks after clinching a return to the Premier League, ending his five-year reign at Portman Road.

“Kieran McKenna has resigned as Ipswich Town manager, just weeks after clinching a return to the Premier League”

BBC

The Northern Irishman, who took charge in December 2021 and guided the Tractor Boys through three promotions in the past four seasons, said he was stepping away to take a break from football management.

BBC

McKenna’s departure came as Fulham searched for Marco Silva’s successor after Silva left for Benfica, and OneFootball said Fulham’s managerial plans were thrown into disarray after McKenna chose to step away from management entirely.

The Telegraph reported that McKenna confirmed his decision with a video on Ipswich’s official website on Wednesday night, and it quoted him saying, “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.”

BBC added that Ipswich will play among the elite in 2026-27 after finishing runners-up in the Championship in May, with the club open-minded about a successor.

OneFootball said Fulham had identified McKenna as the clear first choice to succeed Marco Silva, but McKenna’s resignation left the Craven Cottage board facing a high-stakes search for an alternative.

The BBC noted that McKenna was recently linked with the Fulham job after Silva’s departure, while McKenna said his exit was because of his desire to take a break from the game and spend more time with his family.

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Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton described McKenna’s achievements as “simply incredible,” and the Telegraph quoted Ashton saying, “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.”

The Telegraph also reported that Gary O’Neil could be an early contender, and it said O’Neil was appointed Strasbourg head coach in January after succeeding Liam Rosenior.

Goal reported that Ipswich’s statement said McKenna had “made the decision to take time away from football management,” while it also described the timing as coming shortly after reports of a possible move to Fulham.

Ipswich’s next steps include beginning the process of finding a replacement, with BBC naming former Wolves head coach Gary O'Neil as one manager in the frame to replace McKenna.

“Getty Images Sport A shock departure after promotion glory McKenna has sent shockwaves through Portman Road by stepping down as Ipswich Town head coach just weeks after securing the club's long-awaited return to the Premier League”

Goal

BBC said McKenna left a first-team coaching position at Manchester United to take over at Ipswich in December 2021, and it added that he had two years remaining on his contract after signing a four-year deal in 2024.

The Telegraph described Fulham’s situation as a strategic setback after Silva’s departure for Benfica, and it said Fulham must pivot quickly to alternative candidates on their managerial shortlist to avoid prolonged uncertainty.

Sports Illustrated framed McKenna’s future as appearing to be away from the spotlight—for now—while it quoted Ashton saying, “Like so many, I am of course gutted that our journey together has come to an end,” and it tied that disappointment to McKenna’s decision to step down after winning promotion.

RTE.ie reported McKenna was under contract with Ipswich until 2028, and it said he was leaving the Tractor Boys to take a break from football and spend time with his family.