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5 months ago
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Kieran McKenna has penned a four-year contract at Ipswich Town, the club have confirmed.
It puts to bed questions about his future after he was linked with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Brighton in recent weeks.
McKenna has led the Tractor Boys to two consecutive promotions to the Premier League, having joined when they were 12th in League One in December 2021.
'I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club,' said McKenna, whose contract runs until 2028.
'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.
Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year contract with Ipswich Town after joining in 2021
The 38-year-old has guided Ipswich to back-to-back promotions to the Premier League
'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.'
Manchester United held talks with McKenna in the build-up to the FA Cup final in the event that they go on to sack Erik ten Hag.
He is a boyhood fan of the Red Devils and has previously been their assistant manager.
On Sunday, Chelsea's sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart called McKenna personally to tell him he would not be replacing Mauricio Pochettino.
Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is on the verge of being unveiled as their new manager.
Meanwhile, he had emerged as a leading candidate for the Brighton job alongside Graham Potter after Roberto De Zerbi left the Amex at the end of the season.
The Guardian reports that his fresh deal at Portman Road makes him one of the highest-paid managers in England.
His work at Ipswich has brought them back to the top flight for the first time since 2001-02
He was in the frame for the jobs at Chelsea and Brighton while Man United held talks with him
McKenna has previously served as Manchester United's assistant manager and is a supporter
Sky Sports News claims that his good relationship with Ipswich CEO Mark Ashton is a key factor in him staying. Meanwhile, majority shareholder Ed Schwartz jetted in last week to hold talks with them.
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.'
Ipswich will embark on their first Premier League campaign since 2001-02 after sealing promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.
His achievements with a side who had previously been in decline had made him one of the most sought-after managers in the country.
Now Ipswich will be able to use his presence at the club as a pulling power as they back him in the transfer market on their return to English football's top table.
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