x

McKenna: I Can See the Thinking Behind Play-Off Expansion Proposal - Ipswich Town News

Town manager Kieran McKenna says he can see the thinking behind the proposal to extend the Championship play-offs to six clubs.

Preston North End chief executive Peter Ridsdale has revived the initiative previously put forward by one-time Crystal Palace and Bristol City chief executive Phil Alexander, who is now interim-CEO of the National League.

The proposal broadly follows the structure of the National League’s play-offs with the fifth-finishing side hosting the eighth-placed team and sixth at home to seventh in one-off matches.

The winners would then play the teams third and fourth in two-legged semi-finals - differing from the National League where there are one-off games throughout - before the Wembley final.

"I’ve only seen that this afternoon,” said McKenna, who is yet to compete in the play-offs as a manager.

"I get it, sort of extends it. But I feel like it’s really competitive anyway, if you look at the last few seasons in the Championship and the way teams can go up and down the league with a run and how tight it’s been at the bottom.

"I know the teams at the top for the last one or two seasons have hit a really high points total, but there’s no guarantee that’s going to continue forever.

"There’s no doubt, even coming back into it, you realise again watching the other teams and the other games, it’s one of the most competitive divisions in world football already.

"The gap between every team is small, every team has good players, you can get good players in the Championship whether you’ve got a big budget or a small budget. It’s one of the most competitive divisions anywhere.

"Extending that to give a few more teams something to fight for in the last couple of games, would probably bring more jeopardy to it at the end, so I can see the thinking behind it.”

So he’d give it the nod if it were down to him? "I’d have to think about it a little bit further.”

What to read next:

Kipre: Hopefully We Get Promoted and I Can Stay Here
Town defender Cédric Kipré has revealed he would like to extend his stay at Portman Road beyond the end of the season.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
McKenna: We're Determined to Back Up Saturday's Result
Town host Stoke City on Wednesday evening looking to continue to build momentum following Saturday’s impressive 3-0 home victory over Championship leaders Coventry City.
McKenna: It's a Massive Strength of Jaden's
Blues boss Kieran McKenna has praised forward Jaden Philogene’s work off the ball, believing it is one of the forward’s greatest strengths.
McKenna: Home FA Cup Draw the Main Thing
Town manager Kieran McKenna admitted a home draw was his only concern when he watched last night’s FA Cup third round ties come out of the hat, the Blues having been paired with League One Blackpool at Portman Road.
McKenna: Goals a Big Boost for Walle Egeli
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says summer signing Sindre Walle Egeli has been boosted by scoring his first two goals for the club in the last two matches.
Former Town Keeper Best Dies
Former Town keeper David Best has died, aged 82.
McKenna Without Suspended Hirst But No New Injuries
Town boss Kieran McKenna has no new injury issues ahead of Wednesday’s game at home to Stoke City but has a decision to make regarding who will start at number nine with George Hirst having picked up his fifth booking of the season on Saturday.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town Draw Blackpool at Home in FA Cup Third Round
Town have been drawn at home to League One Blackpool in the third round of the FA Cup.