Ipswich Town`s successful manager, Kieran McKenna, could potentially be targeted for a return to the Premier League, sparking worry among the club`s fanbase.
Former Aston Villa midfielder and current Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes that Ipswich Town supporters have significant reason to be concerned about McKenna`s links to Premier League positions. Reports suggest that Brentford is currently considering the 39-year-old as a possible successor to Thomas Frank.
Media reports indicate that Tottenham Hotspur`s interest in Brentford manager Thomas Frank has increased. Should Ange Postecoglou depart Spurs, Frank is rumoured to be a candidate, which could potentially trigger a chain reaction leading to Ipswich Town losing the manager who guided them back to the top flight.
Lee Hendrie feels that while a departure for McKenna might not be entirely unexpected, it should still be a source of considerable concern for Ipswich fans.
Lee Hendrie: McKenna`s Potential Exit “On the Cards”
Hendrie stated that losing McKenna would undoubtedly be a worry for Ipswich Town, given his achievements and the progress he has overseen at the club. He praised the “absolutely brilliant” journey to the Premier League under McKenna and highlighted the manager`s distinct style of play.
Hendrie noted that, as a young manager who has frequently been linked with various job openings, a move “has been on the cards for some time.” He added that he “would not be surprised in the slightest” if it were to happen.
Even before last season, McKenna was linked with numerous prominent clubs, including Brighton, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Despite staying with Ipswich and leading them to a remarkable promotion back to the Premier League for the upcoming season, many still regard the 39-year-old as highly capable of managing in the top flight.
Hendrie believes that McKenna will be eager to continue his career at the Premier League level as soon as the opportunity arises.
“All top managers aspire to be in the Premier League and push clubs forward,” Hendrie commented. “Brentford is a solid club, and would remain so even without Thomas Frank. Therefore, yes, I think it would be a massive concern for Ipswich if this scenario unfolds.”
Ipswich Town Urged to Prepare Backup Plan
With a month having passed since the end of the Championship season, many clubs in the second tier have already had time to make plans for the 2024/25 campaign. If Kieran McKenna were to leave in pursuit of new opportunities in the Premier League, Ipswich might feel like they are returning to square one, while some of their competitors for promotion next season are already further along in their preparations.
Consequently, Hendrie suggests that Ipswich`s leadership at Portman Road should develop a contingency plan sooner rather than later.
“They will need a backup plan for someone to step in and keep the club on track,” Hendrie stated, adding that he wouldn`t be surprised by a departure, though it might ultimately depend on the situation at Tottenham. He concluded by saying he is “sure Ipswich fans would be very disappointed” if McKenna were to leave.
With Kieran McKenna in charge and the current squad at his disposal, Ipswich Town (often called the Tractor Boys) would be considered strong favorites to secure promotion back to the Premier League next season at the first attempt.
However, if the manager does depart, a quick and effective replacement would be crucial to ensure that their odds for promotion do not significantly decrease ahead of the season`s start in August.
