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5 months ago
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Interesting to now see what happens at Manchester United, as Ipswich Town have today announced (see below) that Kieran McKenna has signed a new four year deal.
It was widely expected he would be in charge at Old Trafford next season, however, it will remain Portman Road. Unless there are any further twists.
A quick check shows it is as long ago as 2002 when Ipswich Town last played top tier football. Good luck to them and their fans after so long away.
So are Manchester United going to end up sticking (stuck???) with Erik ten Hag after he led them to their worst ever league finish in 33 years? Has the FA Cup final fluke put them in an impossible position? It is very amusing, as clearly ten Hag is not up to the job, but a bit like Solskjaer ended up doing, clinging on by doing just enough not to get sacked. The big question of course now as well is just who could Man U attract these days?
So much change with Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham all appointing new managers and if Man U did the same, that would be four of the seven clubs who finished between third and ninth this season, making changes. Of course, Brighton in eleventh also losing their boss.
Out of so much change and instability, can these clubs hit the ground running in August?
One thing for sure, I wouldn’t put a penny on all of these new Premier League managerial appointments lasting the full season. So will Man U stick or twist with Erik ten Hag?
Ipswich Town official announcement – 30 May 2024:
Ipswich Town is delighted to announce that Manager Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year contract with the Club.
The Blues boss, who has led Town to back-to-back promotions, taking the Club to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, has penned an improved and extended deal until the summer of 2028.
The new deal comes following a season which saw Town top the Championship goalscoring charts and suffer only six defeats on the way to automatic promotion, with a total of 194 points gained and 193 goals scored across the last two league campaigns.
Assistant Manager Martyn Pert, First-Team Coaches Charlie Turnbull and Lee Grant and Head of Goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin have also extended their contracts.
Speaking after signing his new deal, Kieran said: “I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the Club.
“We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons and I’m excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading this fantastic Club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years.
“Preparation and planning for the challenge ahead has been ongoing since we won promotion at the beginning of May, with plenty of work still to do before the start of the new season at what is such an exciting time for everyone at the Club.
“I am so happy to have committed my future to taking the next step with Ipswich Town and am really excited for what’s ahead as we continue this journey together.”
Town CEO, Mark Ashton said: “We are delighted Kieran has further committed his future to the Club.
“Success brings its own challenges and there has been considerable speculation in recent weeks, but Kieran and I have continued to communicate throughout, often several times a day, as we plan for the Club’s first Premier League season in a generation.
“For Kieran to have signed a new contract is a significant boost, heading into such an important campaign, as we continue the hard work in preparation for the coming season.”

 
