Manchester United first-team coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as the frontrunner for the Town manager’s job and could be appointed before the end of the week, TWTD understands.

Speculation that McKenna was in the running for the job emerged yesterday with TWTD sources as well as those of other media confirming that the 35-year-old Northern Irishman is in talks.

While we understand the deal is currently not completed, Town may be in a position to make the announcement as soon as tomorrow.

County Fermanagh-born McKenna was a young player with Spurs - during Blues academy coach Bryan Klug’s time at White Hart Lane - but his career was ended by a hip injury before he had made a senior appearance, although he had won seven Northern Ireland caps at U21 level.

McKenna began his career in coaching with Spurs and in 2015 began running their U18s team having worked with younger sides.

In 2016 he moved on to Manchester United where he again worked with their U18s, winning U18 Premier League North in 2017/18.

Jose Mourinho made him an assistant manager in December 2018 and McKenna remained on Ole Gunnar Solskjær's coaching team after Mourinho’s departure along with Michael Carrick and continues to be a member of the staff.

Last month, it was reported that some Manchester United players were unhappy that McKenna was kept on following Solskjær's departure having found him "dry and school-teacherly in his delivery".

If the move goes through, as is expected to be the case, the one-time Enniskillen Town United and Ballinamallard United player will become Town's second Northern Irish manager following Jim Magilton.

Photo: Reuters

TimmyH added 17:01 - Dec 16 Well a big gamble but can he do any worse than umpteen previous managers?...as others have said no 1st team managerial experience and been coaching players of a total different calibre of recent years and before then U18's! Just a big a question is what staff will he bring in? not a bunch of mates or old school types in the know. I think we might have to write off the rest of this season as we're in such a mess currently and see this appointment (if he is the one) as a long term project, to be honest not really sure what to think at the moment, a bit numb after last night.

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LegendofthePhoenix added 17:02 - Dec 16 Key for me is what team he can bring with him. He will need a couple of able assistant coaches, something that usually gets acquired as a manager gains experience, but as he has never managed before, does he have anyone that comes with him? No kit man this time please. McKenna seems to have a lot of potential - but does he have the gravitas to lay it on the line to underperforming senior pros? Hopefully Ashton is asking these questions and more, and is satisfied with the answers.

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BobbyBell added 17:07 - Dec 16 If he truly thinks he can get this squad fired up, passionate, determined and playing good football then he must have something about him.
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markcardy added 17:12 - Dec 16 Friends of mine in Manchester hear tell that this fella is a brilliant coach, so I'm quite excited about this! He also doesn't suffer fools easily which is what we need!!
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TheMover added 17:15 - Dec 16 Doesn't suffer fools easily, some of our fans are in for a hard time
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Bergholtblue added 17:18 - Dec 16 The very best managers had to start somewhere and he can't be any worse than whst we have had to put up with.
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1Warky added 17:21 - Dec 16 Given the lack of quality in the betting market, I would be happy with this. Season is gone so let's see how he gets on for the remainder. Also, is it possible we will have a "man manager", maybe an old figure head too?
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TimmyH added 17:21 - Dec 16 Just been on YT on one of Man U's 'UnitedpeoplesTV' - vast majority are happy he's going! but supporters are like that if they think they're getting rid of part of the old when they weren't consistently winning trophies - only time will tell!
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DavoIPB added 17:22 - Dec 16 Interesting one. Shows Ashton and co have thought about it. Could work well for both parties.
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Marinersnose added 17:22 - Dec 16 Well this guy appears to be well thought of so maybe he's worth a go. We have to be honest as Town fans, our club is no longer a big club . The managers role is not longer a sort after position as we are a mid table division 3 team with a large squad of bang average players with big egos and on big money. He cannot be any worse than the Scouse Clown 🤡
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ChorleyBoy added 17:23 - Dec 16 I was happy Cook was relieved of his duties. I've been disappointed about the lack of lined-up replacement. But I'm really REALLY happy about this.
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maninashed added 17:29 - Dec 16 If the players don't like him at least he won't have problems moving on the 50% plus of the players brought in by Cook who appear to be out of their depth even in Division One.
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groundhog added 17:29 - Dec 16 this is the kind of appointment that will either see us promoted this season or relegated this season. Seems to be an all in win it or bin it approach.
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BlueRuin69 added 17:29 - Dec 16 Lets not tar all the players with the same brush, players were certainly good enough when thrashing Doncaster, Wycombe and Portsmouth. Yes some dont seem up to it but we have signed some good players too. Yestetday was dreadful but lets get behind the new manager and give it a chance, what choice do we have. COYB
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Westy added 17:36 - Dec 16 Definitely a change of strategy is needed in choosing a Manager/Coach. Didn't see this one coming though.
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Bert added 17:39 - Dec 16 In Ashton we must trust. I know nothing about this chap but a coach at one of the world's biggest clubs should have the ability to coach the crop of players brought in by Cook. Some of these players have flair, mainly the ones who didn't play last night, so a disciplined coach should be able to make them a cohesive unit. If this bloke cannot, then we are doomed. If appointed, then whatever our thoughts about recent weeks, we must give our total support and be patient.

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pragmatic added 17:41 - Dec 16 Pleased with this appointment, Hopefully given time & patience to get best out of some very good players, the same players Cook & his inept coaches failed to do, he will certainly bring newer fresher approach & not something from Cooks Jurassic coaching book!!
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BlueNomad added 17:45 - Dec 16 Moaners either way. The question is - do we want a coach with new ideas or a geezer? If we are to go medium term, accepting we won't go up this year, I'd go for the new ideas. Maybe good for him to have a Sergeant Major as his assistant.
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chopra777 added 17:45 - Dec 16 Even coaches like Pep had to start in the lower leagues. Hope you get the job.
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Northstandveteran added 17:50 - Dec 16 You've misunderstood the rumours Gav and Phil. Ipswich want to hire Manchester United's first team coach for a tenner. Ours got a puncture on the way back from Barrow.
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EastLondonBlue added 17:52 - Dec 16 Does he play 4-2-3-1??
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Drifter3012 added 17:57 - Dec 16 Will we be able to get Christiano on loan?
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thecheek added 18:01 - Dec 16 Our previous few appointments which weren't considered gambles didn't exactly work out so have no problem rolling the dice a bit now..
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TexacoCup added 18:17 - Dec 16 Have Cook's coaching team all left? I assume so, what about Peter Reid? I'm for this appointment, as others have said we've tried all the other types and statistically we'll stumble across a winner eventually!
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Dear_oh_Dear added 18:22 - Dec 16 Sounds like a good punt to me. Better than a dino journeyman type. Hope it comes off
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