“Nobody Expected This When McKenna Was Appointed – His First Words Now Feel Iconic
Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town Revolution: From Calm First Words to Premier League Return
Kieran McKenna’s arrival at Ipswich Town in December 2021 marked the beginning of a stunning turnaround for the club.
His composed and businesslike debut press conference offered early signs of the focused, methodical leadership style that would ultimately guide Ipswich from mid-table obscurity in League One to back-to-back promotions and a return to the Premier League after 22 years.
Regardless of their recent relegation, the transformation under McKenna remains extraordinary.
Taking charge of a team languishing in League One, he led Ipswich to Championship promotion in his first full season. Then, against all odds, he guided them straight into the Premier League just a year later.
In May 2024—before their drop back down—Ipswich underlined their faith in McKenna by tying him to a four-year deal, a move that calmed growing fears among fans that bigger clubs might come calling for their inspirational head coach.
A New Tone from Day One
McKenna’s first appearance as manager couldn’t have contrasted more sharply with his predecessor’s.
While Paul Cook arrived late and dressed casually, McKenna walked in promptly, sharply dressed in a full suit and club colours—instantly setting a professional tone.
Despite the 10-point gap to the play-offs at the time, he resisted grand promises, instead emphasizing long-term growth and steady progress.
“I’d like to thank Mark Ashton and the owners for trusting me and Martyn to move the club forward,” he said. “Leaving Manchester United wasn’t easy, but this felt like the right project at the right time.
Now, our focus is on the next game, and after that, I’m excited to get to work.”
Coaching Brilliance Driving a Rapid Rise
What’s been key to McKenna’s success is his elite coaching and attention to detail, something his players consistently highlight. Left-back Leif Davis, signed from Leeds United, credited McKenna with completely evolving his game.
“From day one, he told me he’d help me improve—and he really has, both defensively and going forward,” Davis told Sky Sports.
Davis ended the 2023/24 Championship season as the league’s top assister, racking up 18 from left-back. “I didn’t think I had that level in the final third—it used to be a weakness.
Now it’s a strength,” he added. This level of player development has been instrumental to Ipswich’s meteoric rise and offers hope that they can bounce straight back after relegation.
A Town Reignited
Celebrating promotion with fans during Ipswich’s open-top bus parade, McKenna reflected on the journey: “It’s beyond what anyone could have dreamed. The town, the club, the supporters—they’ve all earned this moment.”
From that first calm press conference to the wild celebrations of a Premier League return, McKenna’s story with Ipswich Town has been nothing short of remarkable. The question now: can he write the next chapter by guiding them back to the top flight once again?
