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

pedrail added 14:58 - Jun 16 Ipswich Town - a club of destiny.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 15:03 - Jun 16 Not at all surprised as I always trusted in the integrity of this fantastic manager. This is a win-win situation for us and for K McK personally.
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brendenward35 added 15:03 - Jun 16 Well done Town secured our hero and makes me very happy. Hopefully Ashton will also extend the backroom team as Pert is also a valuable asset for the club. Nice piece of business don't think anyone can have a moan at this
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backwaywhen added 16:05 - Jun 16 Bed wetters can now chill …… he was never going anywhere, COYBs
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Nomore4 added 16:10 - Jun 16 Possibly the best piece of news released by the club in 20 plus years IMO
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Bert added 16:18 - Jun 16 The stars are aligned for the first time in decades. The unity within the club and the integrity and wisdom shown by KMcK and Ashton are an example to others. Boris Johnson take note.
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jas0999 added 16:38 - Jun 16 Fantastic news!
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oldelsworthyfan added 16:46 - Jun 16 First things first. Get McK signed for a longer term, before spending good money on new players. Ashton knows what he's doing.
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Mariner1974 added 16:53 - Jun 16 Love that guy!
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Westy added 17:13 - Jun 16 Fantastic news. KMc is ambitious so it seems there have been reassurances given that the Club will continue to match this.
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TimmyH added 17:46 - Jun 16 Great news! ...but as we know these contracts can soon be paid off from interested parties but I don't think it's in McKenna's DNA (he said).
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1960H added 17:49 - Jun 16 Signing of the summer, Ashton doing a good job getting McKenna, Chaplin and Luongo tied down to fresh contracts, now time for additional business
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FromIpswichToPhoenix added 17:50 - Jun 16 We've kept Super K McKenna! Our owners know exactly what we need! Less than two years to cleanup Now four more coming up We're gonna make it to the premiere league! (Yes, I rhymed up with up. Too happy to care)
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Ipswichbusiness added 18:20 - Jun 16 Good news! However, it does not stop other clubs signing him, it does make it more difficult and expensive for them.
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dirtydingusmagee added 19:27 - Jun 16 best signing in a long time .Long may these happy times last at ITFC. COYB
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wokingblue added 20:26 - Jun 16 Ashton is class. No fuss, no fanfare just gets the biggest contract deal done. I'm back in love with our club.
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JCBLUE added 20:36 - Jun 16 Just brilliant!!
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Churchman added 21:19 - Jun 16 Great news. A statement of stability and intent. Of course if the right job comes up at the right club within those four years, he will be off, assuming we continue to progress. That was never going to be chaos, mediocre clubs like Leicester or Leeds. He's in a good place and so are we. Roll on the new season.
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thatsbonkers added 22:56 - Jun 16 How great to have a manager that's sees the potential in ITFC being greater than the other distracting suitors. These are good times.
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