Kieran McKenna has stepped down as manager of Ipswich Town to take a break from football for family reasons. Despite strong interest from Fulham, the Northern Irishman rejected a move to Craven Cottage. He departs after five seasons, leaving the club in the Premier League following a second-place finish in the Championship.

McKenna's tenure saw him lead the Tractor Boys through three promotions in four years, including a rise from League One. He managed 222 games, winning 105 and overseeing nearly 400 goals. Even after a relegation in 2024/25, he stayed to secure an immediate return to the top flight in 2026.

Ipswich hold a financial safety net because McKenna signed a contract running until 2028. If he takes a new role within the next year, the club is owed compensation. That current figure stands at £7m. This leaves the board searching for a new manager to maintain their Premier League status.

His exit marks the end of an era that brought generational joy to Portman Road. He leaves behind a squad better equipped for top-flight survival than the previous iteration. The club now faces a massive recruitment task that extends beyond just signing new players to replace their departed boss.