Kieran McKenna's Managerial Journey at Ipswich Town
Kieran McKenna's tenure at Ipswich Town is a story of rapid ascent, historic achievements, and the volatile nature of professional football. Appointed in late 2021, McKenna transformed the club from a League One side into a Premier League competitor, establishing himself as one of the most impactful managers in the club's recent history.
The Rise from League One
McKenna officially took charge of Ipswich Town on 20 December 2021, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract and bringing in Martyn Pert as his assistant. His impact was immediate; the team won seven of his first ten matches and maintained seven clean sheets. A standout period occurred during February and March, where the team went 11 matches unbeaten and set a new club record for the longest period without conceding a goal, surpassing 547 minutes.
While the 2021–22 season ended in a modest 11th-place finish, the foundation was laid for the following year. During the 2022–23 campaign, McKenna's tactical approach led to a 19-game unbeaten run. The season culminated in a dominant 6–0 victory over Exeter City on 29 April 2023, securing automatic promotion to the EFL Championship. For his efforts, McKenna earned Manager of the Month awards for both March and April.
Back-to-Back Promotions to the Premier League
The momentum continued in the EFL Championship during the 2023–24 season. McKenna's side displayed remarkable consistency, earning him Manager of the Month awards in September and March. By finishing second in the league, Ipswich Town secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2002.
This achievement was historic: Ipswich became the first club since Southampton in 2012 to secure back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. Over two seasons, McKenna's side accumulated 194 points and scored 193 goals. Despite interest from Premier League clubs Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion, McKenna committed his future to Portman Road with a new contract extending to 2028.
Premier League Struggles and Relegation
The transition to the top flight proved challenging. The 2024–25 season began with three consecutive losses against Liverpool, Manchester City, and AFC Wimbledon (the latter in the EFL Cup). The team struggled significantly, enduring a nine-game winless streak that marked their worst start to a season since 2018–19.
A glimmer of hope arrived on 10 November with a 2–1 away victory against Tottenham Hotspur, the club's first top-flight win since April 2002. However, it was not enough to sustain their position. Ipswich were relegated after winning only four games, resulting in the lowest points total in the club's top-flight history and a 10.5% win rate for McKenna—one of the lowest in Premier League history.
The Final Chapter: Return to the Top Flight
Following relegation, McKenna oversaw a massive squad overhaul. Only six players remained from the promotion-winning eras, with key figures like Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson departing for Premier League sides. The transition was rocky, starting the 2025–26 season with three draws and two losses.
The tide turned in September 2025 with a 5–0 win over Sheffield United, leading to another Manager of the Month award. McKenna also broke a long-standing drought by winning the East Anglian derby against Norwich City on 5 October—the first Ipswich manager to do so since 2009. He later completed a league double over Norwich, a feat not achieved since the 1992–93 season.
On 2 May 2026, McKenna guided Ipswich back to the Premier League as Championship runners-up with 84 points. This marked his third promotion in four seasons. Shortly after this triumph, on 10 June 2026, McKenna announced his departure from the club to take a break from football management.
Key Facts
- Promotions: Achieved three promotions in four seasons.
- Historic Feat: First club since 2012 to go from League One to the Premier League in back-to-back seasons.
- Statistical Peak: Accumulated 194 points and 193 goals over two promotion seasons.
- Derby Success: First manager since 2009 to win the East Anglian derby and first since 1992–93 to complete a league double over Norwich City.
- Premier League Record: Recorded a 10.5% win rate during the 2024–25 season.
| Season | League | Key Achievement / Outcome | Notable Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | League One | 11th Place | Club record for minutes without conceding |
| 2022–23 | League One | Promoted (2nd Place) | 19-game unbeaten run |
| 2023–24 | Championship | Promoted (2nd Place) | Manager of the Season |
| 2024–25 | Premier League | Relegated | 10.5% win rate |
| 2025–26 | Championship | Promoted (2nd Place) | 84 points total |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many promotions did Kieran McKenna achieve with Ipswich Town?
Kieran McKenna achieved three promotions in four seasons, taking the club from League One to the Premier League, returning to the Championship, and then securing a second return to the Premier League.
What was the most significant record McKenna broke during his first season?
During the 2021–22 season, McKenna's side set a new club record for the longest period without conceding a goal, surpassing the previous mark of 547 minutes.
Which Premier League clubs attempted to recruit McKenna during his tenure?
Both Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion approached McKenna, but he chose to sign a new contract to remain at Ipswich Town until 2028.
How did Ipswich perform in the Premier League under McKenna?
The team struggled significantly, winning only four games and recording their lowest-ever points total in the top flight, leading to their relegation in the 2024–25 season.
Why did Kieran McKenna leave Ipswich Town in 2026?
Following the club's third promotion under his leadership, McKenna announced his departure on 10 June 2026 to take a break from football management.