One of the most highly-rated young coaches in British football has surprisingly walked away from management.
Kieran McKenna has stepped down as manager of Ipswich Town despite leading the club back to the Premier League and being heavily linked with several high-profile vacancies.
The 40-year-old had been mentioned among potential candidates for a number of jobs this summer, including Fulham and, at various points, Celtic during their search for a successor to Brendan Rodgers and then again to Wilfried Nancy.
Some Celtic supporters viewed McKenna as the type of ambitious, progressive appointment the club should be targeting.
However, even as he departs Portman Road, a move to Parkhead appears highly unlikely.
Kieran McKenna has made it clear his decision is driven by a desire to step away from football and spend time with his family after five demanding years in management.
In a statement released by Ipswich, he said:
“It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club.
“When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.”
“To manage this club has been an absolute privilege.
“Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.
“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, who have been with me every step of my career so far.”
Kieran McKenna leaves having transformed Ipswich’s fortunes.
After arriving when the club were struggling in League One, he oversaw a remarkable rise that culminated in promotion to the Premier League and established Ipswich as one of the most admired footballing projects in England.
It is easy to see why Celtic supporters were attracted to the idea of McKenna.
His Ipswich side became known for controlling matches, moving the ball quickly through central areas and creating chances through structured attacking play rather than relying solely on moments of individual brilliance.
At 40, he also represented the sort of long-term appointment many fans hoped Celtic would explore during their managerial search.
Instead, all signs continue to point towards Martin O’Neill remaining in charge following last season’s domestic double.
Kieran McKenna’s decision, meanwhile, appears to remove him from the managerial market altogether for the foreseeable future.
Whether he eventually returns to management remains to be seen, but there is little doubt he will be one of the most sought-after coaches in British football whenever that day comes.
