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

MagicMoe added 18:24 - Dec 16 Why the hell not! What have we got to lose, exactly. If this goes through, it will be the first appointment that hasn't caused me to groan in disappointment since before the Dark Lord was summoned 12 years ago.
2

EricGatesShinpad added 18:30 - Dec 16 This has got to be a good move. Young thrusting coach, next to a slightly older and well travelled no2. I say go for it....you will have my very best support Sirs !
5

Umros added 18:37 - Dec 16 Can he play ? Would be better that we have anyway. His name is not Paul. Other than that I am underwhelmed. What a gamble.
-2

grinch added 18:40 - Dec 16 Young managers need yo start somewhere and we are middle league one so think the gamble is for him not us proper coach which is what we lacked with cook and bringing another old Trafford coach with him seems 100% better than what we had COYB
2

BeethorpeAndy added 18:46 - Dec 16 Sounds ok to me. We have nothing to lose! Shocking last night so let the school teacher give them all the cane and lots of lines. " I must give my all for Ipswich town, I must give my all for Ipswich Town, I must give my all for Ipswich Town etc !!!!!! After half an hour last night my 13 yr old son was so embarrassed by the performance that he went and played on his xbox! SORT IT OUT PLEASE!

3

BeethorpeAndy added 18:46 - Dec 16 Sounds ok to me. We have nothing to lose! Shocking last night so let the school teacher give them all the cane and lots of lines. " I must give my all for Ipswich town, I must give my all for Ipswich Town, I must give my all for Ipswich Town etc !!!!!! After half an hour last night my 13 yr old son was so embarrassed by the performance that he went and played on his xbox! SORT IT OUT PLEASE!

1

Town_Jewells added 18:50 - Dec 16 At the risk of sounding negative, neither Mourinho's nor Solskjaer's Manchester Utd tenures could be viewed as successful. I was hoping that we could persuade another young coach in the shape of Anthony Barry to take the job. He is held in very high regard for the difference he has made at both Chelsea and the Republic of Ireland. It has to be doubted whether the current regime will give any manager the time that Bobby Robson was given back in the day.

0

SteveDt added 18:54 - Dec 16 As already been mentioned, he can't be worse than what we have had recently, in fact all he needs todo is win two games in a row and he,s more successful than most
2

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:58 - Dec 16 He should have experience of dealing with some big egos (probably why he pi**ed them off) so that should be a bonus if he gets the job. Yes, it's a gamble, but any appointment is. I don't think some sergeant major type who has been round the block in L1, L2, or the Championship is the answer. This feels more progressive and more intelligent. Could be the start of a new era (yes! really this time!) I'm definitely ”glass half full” about this if and until proved wrong.

3

leagueonescum added 19:02 - Dec 16 Paul Jewell, Paul Hurst, Paul Lambert, Paul Cook.... I'll flucking take him just because he's not called Paul.
0

KenHancocksBoot added 19:03 - Dec 16 The two men who made Ipswich great, Ramsey and Robson were unknowns. I am sure Ashton & Co have done their due diligence. If it comes off this will be the most exciting appointment since Jim Magilton. This guy has been at a much bigger club than ITFC so won't be overwhelmed. Brilliant! I hope it's confirmed. It will be in the tradition of the Ipswich way!
4

townthroughmyveins added 19:04 - Dec 16 OMG. No No NO No NO. In all my 45 years of supporting this club through thick and thin whilst dispersed all over the world this has to be the lowest of the low announcement. Really, an under 18 coach that no one has ever heard of and the current Man united squad wanting rid because of his archaic school teacher like tactics. This bodes really well for the future of our club doesn't it?? We desperately need an experienced old school manager at the helm to salvage this season not some wet behind the ears under 18 coach. My god, how much lower can we possibly fall???

-5

ArnieM added 19:11 - Dec 16 Well Town really are going in that new direction aren't they. Are we finally being dragged into ,the 21st century of professional football, backed by scientific evidence based practice and sciencetific footballing data ( which ALL top premier clubs have used for years now )… Hopefully this will reap benefits but guess what……it'll take TIME!! So let's support it. And r7m with it…especially YOU, Mark Ashton, please!!

3

churchmans added 19:13 - Dec 16 I am finally feeling positive about the season and seasons ahead!
2

dirtydingusmagee added 19:20 - Dec 16 whatever we on here think its out of our hands,managers arent appointed via up and down votes on TWTD despite what some think . BBC Look East ,seem to think he will be announced as manager tomorrow [despite what Tellitasitis says,with info from his mate on the inside lol. Apparently JM still in charge for Sunderland match, with new manager watching on [ what a welcome ] .

1

dirtydingusmagee added 19:26 - Dec 16 people on here wanted a young manager with ambition, then when it looks like we are getting one we get . ''he is too young'' he is not much older than the players , no experience ect ect . LOL.
4

david_d added 19:27 - Dec 16 Wikipedia already says he our head coach!!
1

dozzell21 added 19:28 - Dec 16 Kieran apparently is Irish for ‘Paul'
2

aas1010 added 19:33 - Dec 16 Not sure about this one , but give him a try tho . I recon Martin pert will join him from united and his no2 probably in my view be Michael carrick ??
0

BeethorpeAndy added 19:39 - Dec 16 I have already posted once, second by mistake! Just had my monthly bath and I had a thought? Would this give the club easier access to young united talent? This could be a good appointment clever Mr Ashton!
0

Rimsy added 19:52 - Dec 16 Can't say I know much about him, but much rather a forward thinking appointment like this than some of the dinosaurs mentioned. Certainly has the pedigree to succeed. With his school-teacherly style he's gonna find his naughty step overflowing with this bunch.
3

OliveR16 added 19:52 - Dec 16 townthroughmyveins - cheer up, I've supported Town for a lot more than 45 years. I'm positive about this. Despising a youth coach is very un-Ipswich, and you might reflect that we have shown ourselves to be inferior to two U21 Premier teams this year already. It's a step down for him.
1

Ebantiass added 20:01 - Dec 16 Well that's us the fanbase totally split down the middle. Me i hope we get him. The experienced managers have not been pulling up trees and this young man knows big clubs and managers and could pull a few strings to get some decent hungry players in. We are a small club as TB said last night. We really need to get this right and older men with many clubs behind them has 'nt worked at all. Get behind the guy really back the team up through thick and thin. Massive respect to those that travelled to see the debacle yesterday.💙💙💙💙

1

AlpineBlue added 20:10 - Dec 16 Who the f*** are all these people who are pining for Warnock. I personally don't want that f***ing dinosaur anywhere near this club. This appointment looks fascinating. He seems to have an excellent work ethic, has the kind of experience that can bring long term benefits to the club and is probably the kind of coach whom Premier League managers would like to have working with their up and coming talents on a loan basis. Of course it can all go tits up, but I for one am sick of all these old journeyman managers with no fresh ideas.

2

Chris_Knights added 20:24 - Dec 16 Two Things 1. Our job is to support the new manager ….we have to …this is our last chance 2. GIVE HIM TIME PLEASE …. It's about the players performance…. They are the muppets that have got us into this mess
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls