Kieran McKenna leaves Ipswich Town after guiding club back to Premier League

Kieran McKenna has stepped down as Ipswich Town manager after four and a half years in charge, bringing an end to one of the most remarkable managerial spells in the club's modern history.

The 40-year-old leaves Portman Road after guiding Ipswich from League One to the Premier League, with his decision understood to be motivated by a desire to take a break from football and spend more time with his family.

McKenna departs shortly after securing a second promotion to the top flight, with Ipswich finishing second in the Championship and sealing their return to the Premier League on the final day of the season.

The timing means he leaves as one of the most successful and popular managers in the club's history.

When McKenna arrived at Ipswich in December 2021, the club were struggling in League One and facing an uncertain future.

Few could have predicted the transformation that followed.

The former Manchester United first-team coach quickly rebuilt the squad and established a progressive style of football that propelled Ipswich up the English football pyramid.

Back-to-back promotions culminated in Premier League football by May 2024, a feat that earned McKenna widespread admiration throughout the game.

Although Ipswich were unable to retain their top-flight status during the 2024/25 campaign, they responded impressively by earning immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

That achievement ultimately became the perfect ending to McKenna's tenure.

In an emotional farewell statement, McKenna explained why he believes now is the right moment to move on.

"When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye," he said.

"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."

The Northern Irish coach also spoke about the sacrifices required during five intense years in management.

"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."

Those comments underline that this decision appears driven by personal considerations rather than immediate plans for another managerial role.

McKenna's reputation has risen dramatically during his time at Ipswich.

After leading the club into the Premier League in 2024, he attracted interest from several major clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton.

More recently, he had been linked with the managerial vacancy at Fulham.

However, reports indicate he is not leaving Ipswich to take another job and instead intends to step away from management temporarily.

Ipswich have also ensured the club will receive financial protection should McKenna return to work elsewhere in the coming months.

Chairman Mark Ashton paid a glowing tribute to the departing manager.

"The mark he, his staff and his players have made on Ipswich Town and its community will live for ever."

"It has captured a generation."

Ashton also admitted disappointment at seeing the partnership come to an end but expressed full respect for McKenna's decision.

The emotional response reflects the impact the manager has had both on and off the pitch.

Ipswich will now begin planning for life without the manager who transformed the club's fortunes over the last four and a half years.

The vacancy is expected to attract strong interest given the club's Premier League status, ambitious ownership structure and investment in new facilities. However, Ipswich are not expected to rush the appointment process.

For McKenna, attention will shift away from football for the first time in years as he takes the break he believes is necessary before considering the next stage of his career.

Where does Kieran McKenna rank among the greatest managers in Ipswich Town's history after guiding the club from League One back to the Premier League?