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McKenna departs Ipswich after securing second Premier League promotion

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Kieran McKenna will leave Ipswich Town this summer after five transformative seasons at Portman Road. The 40-year-old Northern Irishman has chosen to step away from football management to spend time with his family. His departure comes immediately after guiding the club to a second Premier League promotion, completing an remarkable ascent that began in League One.

McKenna took charge in November 2021 and delivered three promotions across four seasons. After securing Championship status in his first full campaign, he repeated the achievement by finishing second in the 2023-24 season. Despite relegation in their Premier League return, Ipswich bounced back immediately by finishing runners-up in the 2025-26 Championship. This rapid rise represents one of the most impressive rebuilding jobs in recent English football history.

Chairman Mark Ashton praised McKenna's dedication and achievements, calling their five-year partnership an honour. Ashton acknowledged the intense nature of their journey together and expressed pride in what they accomplished. The club must now find a successor before their Premier League opener in August.

McKenna's legacy includes restoring Ipswich to England's top division twice and establishing them as a Championship force. His resignation marks the end of an era that saw the Blues transform from League One also-rans into Premier League participants.