Town boss Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year deal, which runs to the summer of 2027.

The Northern Irishman has been a huge success since taking charge at Portman Road in December 2021, leading the Blues to promotion from League One - and 101 goals and a club record 98 points - in 2022/23.

Overall, since taking over at Town, McKenna's record reads, played 79, won 44, drawn 23 and lost 12.

Inevitably, that form has led to speculation that other clubs, among them Celtic, Leicester and Leeds, might consider him for their vacancies this summer, although those links appear to have been nothing more than rumour.

Speaking to TWTD in March, CEO Mark Ashton said an extension to McKenna’s contract, which previously ran until the summer of 2025, would “take care of itself at the right time” and now has evidently proved to be that moment.

Fans will be delighted with the news with McKenna having brought the first success to the club since the George Burley era more than 20 years ago.

“I’ve loved almost every minute of my time at the club so far and it’s a proud and joyous day to be able to extend my stay," told the official website.

“I look forward to leading the club in the challenges ahead. It’s clear to see the club is ambitious and moving in a positive direction, but we need to work hard each day to keep going.

“We have fantastic support, great owners, a really strong Board and a staff and group of players who are fighting to keep pushing the club forward.

“That’s great to be a part of and I’m really looking forward to the next steps.”

CEO Ashton added: “We are delighted that Kieran has signed a new deal.

“Whilst Kieran’s new contract rewards him for the progression the team has made under his leadership over the last 18 months - culminating in promotion back to the Championship in April this year - it also paves the way for the future development which can be built on continued stability.

“It is an indicator of the further progression the club wishes to make, with continued investment in infrastructure and key personnel.”

Photo: ITFC

exeterblue10 added 10:30 - Jun 16 Brilliant news, absolutely delighted. Phew!!!
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Karlosfandangal added 10:32 - Jun 16 Excellent news Let's hope fans realise that it will not be an easy season and Town may have to spend a couple of seasons in the Championship as he builds his team so Town have a better chance of staying in the Premiership when they get there. I will watch Burnley to see how they fair after walking the Championship Let's hope we don't have a Bristol Rovers situation when Town are not winning 3-0 every week

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bluesteal74 added 10:34 - Jun 16 I don't like this I live it.
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BlueandTruesince82 added 10:35 - Jun 16 The look on Ashtons face says are you watching Leicester, Leeds, Celtic....he ain't going to nowhere (yet, of course at some point he may we must accept that but not now, not yet)
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Bluearmy_81 added 10:39 - Jun 16 We've got super Kieran McKenna…!! 💙👍🏻💙
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Scuzzer added 10:46 - Jun 16 Great stuff! Will see us through to European competition.👍😉
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Billericay12 added 10:47 - Jun 16 Come on !!!
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DaGremloid added 10:57 - Jun 16 To be honest the length of contracts in football don't seem to mean a lot these days but there is no doubting this is good news. KM deserves the chance to finish what he has started and so do the club and fans.
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joyousblue added 11:21 - Jun 16 Now all the doom merchants , the evening star, and our dear phil ham stop putting out nonsense about him ever moving oh an dalian atkinson who on eart is the best singing lol
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terryf added 11:27 - Jun 16 Bit of a no brainer really!!! Why would he not want to extend his stay with us. It's his project to get us into the promised land and he loves it here. Happy days and best signing so far!! As Mark Ashton says.... stability is key
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Help added 11:27 - Jun 16 I'm not sure till I see the manager holding the new shirt for next season. Oh yes I am f ing get in there. Stop the speculation We got super Kieran McKenna he's gonna take us to the prem I love the way we play Super blues are on their way (tractor boys) Can't think of a rhyme with prem please help.
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Rimsy added 11:28 - Jun 16 All the rumours about what players we'd be moving in or out, pales at this news. It would have been a massive blow if KM had decided to move on and a new man having to build his own team. Although the club is in a great place these days, starting over would have put us back again. Consistency is the key. Personally don't think he'll move on until one of the top 4 or 5 teams come calling. Fantastic news.

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Naylorsrightboot added 11:28 - Jun 16 Kieran isnt stupid, why end up like Potter, go to a club thats a mess,they expect immediate success,then bang, out of work 6 months later, whats the point ? He has time to build his own thing here. In a few years time he could well have built his legacy and will still be young enough to go to one the major players if it suits him and them.
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WhoisJimmyJuan added 11:29 - Jun 16 Undoubtedly great news. My guess is that he will have been reassured by the owners via Ashton that there is money to spend. Just an inkling. I wouldn't be surprised if there are one or two biggish cash signings to follow- of the George Hirst fee required size (not necessarily him but of his class/standing).
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Lord_Mac added 11:47 - Jun 16 Don't think it was ever in doubt was it? Think back to the Fans Forum in 2022 when he talked about the project and stabiity. He's not going to suddenly up sticks and move to a basket-case club.
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Help added 11:52 - Jun 16 Hold on wait a minute that piece of paper is blank. And when you sign a contract you do so at the bottom. It's a scam by the Chinese.
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Help added 11:59 - Jun 16 We got super Kieran McKenna he's gonna take us to the prem I love the way we play Super blues are on their way (tractor boys) Now we gonna beat all o them Or Watch us while we score nine or ten
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Help added 12:15 - Jun 16 we got super Kieran McKenna he's gonna take us to the prem With Pert by his side We're all here for the ride Kieran is a diamond what a gem
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mathiemagic added 12:15 - Jun 16 That has made my day !!!
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December1963 added 12:19 - Jun 16 Apparently Mbappe has been sighted at Ipswich station, so that would be our second best signing of the day.
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pennblue added 12:44 - Jun 16 Great move for both parties imo. Kieran is no doubt an extremely quick learner, but he is a young manager and needs time to develop and gain experience. He will get that time here.
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blues1 added 13:09 - Jun 16 Whoisjimmyjuan He didn't need reassuring thered be money available. 1..bcse he already knew there would be. 2. There's been no contact from any other club as to his availability. So was never an issue
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joyousblue added 13:34 - Jun 16 See celtic gonna go the tried and dusted route , and looks like leicester are going down the foriegn route , mckenna was never in the mix , its all about money nowadays so no risks taken
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Foreverdon_Blue added 14:07 - Jun 16 This is brilliant news and really shows the ambition of the club! Luongo, Chaplin with new deals too - great summer so far!
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tractorboybig added 14:55 - Jun 16 does not mean much into days football world......more compensation if poached bigger payment for the boy if he is sacked.
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