Ipswich Town supporters will not be surprised that manager Kieran McKenna is desired, but some Tractor Boys supporters will be nervous over the next several months given the level of clubs who are interested.
The fact that the 37-year-old is reportedly on Stuttgart’s shortlist of candidates in the event that current manager Sebastian Hoeneß leaves, indicates how closely his work at Portman Road is being watched.
There will be no shortage of interest in the Northern Irishman for the foreseeable future, both domestically and internationally, with Crystal Palace reportedly showing interest in the former Manchester United junior coach as they were taking Roy Hodgson’s place at Selhurst Park.
Stuttgart is looking for Kieran McKenna.
After the team barely avoided relegation the previous season and is now vying for a European position, Hoeneß has done a remarkable job at the Bundesliga team this year.
Stuttgart is presently fourth in the German Bundesliga, 14 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen and four behind Bayern Munich, the reigning champions.
Despite having a contract with his current team through 2027, the 41-year-old has been mentioned as one of the dugout replacements because Thomas Tuchel is departing the Allianz Arena in the summer.
When the time comes to choose a new boss, McKenna’s name is reportedly among the first on the list of candidates his current employers have expeditiously prepared for when their head honcho does quit.
The ascent of Ipswich Town under Kieran McKenna
The Ipswich Town team, who were relegated to the third division when McKenna became management, has completely changed under his direction. The Tractor Boys are currently aiming for back-to-back promotions in the current campaign. McKenna was born in London.
After dominating most of League One last season, the Suffolk team finished runners-up behind Plymouth Argyle, securing automatic promotion back to the second division. They then continued to improve as they made their way back to the Championship.
McKenna has discovered the recipe for success that every football team seeks, as seen by his 59.0% win percentage throughout his tenure at Portman Road. Many managers are envious, since his record reads just 12 losses in 105 league games.
With 120 goals scored by both teams in their 36 games this season, the 37-year-old’s club is currently second behind Leicester City and has drilled his team into becoming one of the most exciting teams to have ever graced the EFL.
With goals being scored on both ends of the pitch, Portman Road has seen no shortage of drama this season. The Tractor Boys have earned the right to brag about winning their fair share of thrillers; Tuesday night’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Bristol City is just one more illustration of their never-say-die mentality.
Town now has 78 points, three behind leaders Leicester, and Leeds United is two points behind thanks to 28 points gained from dropping positions.
As of this writing, Suffolk has won six straight games, and McKenna is rightfully receiving a lot of recognition for his contributions to the team.
Town supporters, who would do anything to cling onto the guy who gave them hope once more, would shiver at the idea that top European leagues, in addition to English clubs, are also vying for his signature.
The concern at this point must be whether the dream of promotion is dashed by a decline before the end of the season, as their management will undoubtedly be fired if that occurs.
Town supporters will be closely watching every statement their manager makes from now until eternity because Palace, Brentford and West Ham are all rumoured to have been interested in him in the past. His remarks from last month highlighted his desire to play in the Premier League, though it’s unclear if that will happen in Suffolk.
“I’m having fun at work. I’m really enjoying this great season we’re having, so that’s where my concentration is right now,” he stated in February.
“I want to work and have an impact in the Premier League, that’s where I want to end up in my career.”
“I am able to assist players and teams at that level because I am familiar with it and have worked there. However, there are excellent coaches at every level.
Although McKenna has always been committed to seeing his adventure with Ipswich through, it would take a brave man—or perhaps a fool—to decline an offer of a seat at Europe’s top table. As a result, those who follow the Tractor Boys may have an anxious summer ahead of them.
