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Morsy: Important to Keep McKenna at Town - Ipswich Town News

Blues skipper Sam Morsy says it is “really important” that manager Kieran McKenna will be staying at Portman Road.

Brighton, Chelsea and Manchester United all showed interest in the Northern Irishman until he signed a new four-year contract last week, news that Town captain Morsy welcomed.

"It is really important to keep him,” Morsy told BBC Sport at Saturday's Children of Gaza fundraising match. "It was well publicised he could have gone to some big clubs, but he has made history here anyway.

"It is nice that he will continue the journey with us and it would have been a shame if he didn’t do it.

"In the end he has probably thought he has played a huge role in it and we are thankful he can carry on.”

He added: "The manager and staff have built a really competitive culture, one of ownership with everyone having a voice and togetherness.

"We reflect that in everything we do, we have worked hard every day and looked to improve.

"We have managed to stay strong, stay brave and we’ve done it the right way. It is an incredible achievement especially when you consider we have finished above some heavyweights in the division. To do back-to-backs is incredible.”

Reflecting on playing in the top flight for the first time in his career at 32, the Egyptian international said: "To play in the Premier League myself will be special and was a big goal personally. There were times I thought I would become a Premier League player and other times I thought wouldn’t.

"We are here now and it is a fantastic achievement, especially for a great club with a top manager. The fans have been incredible and everyone united to do something special.

"You just have to look at the clubs that have gone up this season, all would have thought they could survive but the Premier League is a different game. Survival in our first season would be a huge success.”

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