Kieran McKenna has signed a new long-term contract with Ipswich Town.
The Premier League newcomers have — as revealed by The Athletic — tied down their highly-rated coach despite strong interest from elsewhere following back-to-back promotions from League One through the Championship to the top flight.
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The 38-year-old has signed a four-year deal until the summer of 2028.
He 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.”
🎥 Mark Ashton and Kieran McKenna following the news that the Manager has penned a new four-year deal at Portman Road. ⤵️
— I(P)SWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) May 30, 2024
McKenna was considered a strong option to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, while he was linked with a return to former club Manchester United as well as Brighton & Hove Albion as a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi.
After five years at United, McKenna was appointed to his first managerial position by Ipswich in 2021, succeeding former boss Paul Cook with the East Anglia side 12th in League Two.
McKenna led Ipswich to a second-placed finish in his debut season in charge at Portman Road before repeating the feat in 2023-24 to earn automatic promotion to the Premier League behind Leicester City.
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Football's best up-and-coming managers: Kieran McKenna
(Stephen Pond/Getty Images)