Ipswich Town are preparing for life after Kieran McKenna following the shock announcement that the highly regarded manager has decided to leave Portman Road.
The news, confirmed on Wednesday, ends the most successful managerial reign in the club’s modern history and leaves Ipswich facing the most important decision of who will lead the next chapter.
McKenna arrived at Portman Road in December 2021 with Ipswich sitting in League One and looking for a way back into English football’s top flight.
What followed exceeded even expectations.
The former Man United coach transformed the club on and off the pitch, using an engaging style of football and creating a winning culture that instantly connected fans to the club.
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Promotion to League One is secured until 2023, ending a four-year stay in the third tier.
However, that success was just the beginning.
Ipswich followed up with another impressive campaign, winning promotion to the Premier League and ending the impressive rise English football has seen in recent years.
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McKenna’s reputation grew rapidly during that time, with many observers viewing him as one of the game’s brightest young managers, which has seen him linked with Premier League rivals such as Fulham and Crystal Palace recently.
Even when faced with the challenge of competing with other big clubs in the country, Ipswich continued to show ambition and belief under their leadership.
His ability to develop players, develop young talent and establish a clear identity made him very popular among supporters.
For many fans, McKenna’s departure marks the end of a memorable era.
The club’s rise from League One to a strong team capable of competing at the highest level will always be associated with his career.
Now it is being looked at who can replace him.
Ipswich are targeting former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil
According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Ipswich are expected to target former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil as they begin their search for a new coach.
The 42-year-old is currently at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, so he will need compensation, but he is still highly regarded in football circles.
O’Neil made a strong name for himself during his spells at Bournemouth and Wolves, earning a reputation for tactical flexibility and ability to maximize the resources available to him.
Those qualities would make him an attractive candidate for Ipswich’s hierarchy.
Replacing McKenna was never going to be easy.
The outgoing manager leaves behind huge expectations and whoever takes over will soon face comparisons to someone who has guided the club through a successful period.
That said, O’Neil has many attributes that Ipswich may be looking for.
He has experience working with developing teams, understands the needs of English football and has shown that he can organize teams effectively against strong teams.
Importantly, he would come with Premier League experience already on his CV.
That could be seen as a huge advantage as Ipswich look to maintain the momentum built under McKenna.
At the moment, no appointment has been decided, and the club is expected to explore several options before reaching a final decision.
However, Crook’s report suggests O’Neil is firmly in the frame as negotiations begin in the background.
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