Today marks the third anniversary of the Blues appointing Kieran McKenna as manager.

The Northern Irishman was recruited from Manchester United, where he had been a member of the backroom staff under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and briefly Ralf Rangnick, following Paul Cook’s sacking.

Since then, McKenna, now 38, has masterminded a remarkable turnaround in the Blues’ fortunes and days and nights no fan will ever forget.

His first game ended in a 1-0 home victory over Wycombe Wanderers, courtesy of a James Norwood goal, and Town eventually finished 11th in League One in his first half-season in charge.

But in his inaugural full campaign as manager, the one-time Tottenham academy midfielder and coach led the Blues to promotion out of the third tier after four seasons, Town going on a remarkable run of 13 wins in 14 from late February to secure second place with a stunning 6-0 home victory over Exeter at Portman Road.

Last season, the Blues recorded back-to-back promotions for the first time in their history, once more finishing second having battled the three relegated former Premier League sides all season, again confirming their elevation from the Championship with another famous Portman Road afternoon of celebration, this time after a 2-0 defeat of already-relegated Huddersfield.

That success led to interest from more established clubs in the summer with talks understood to have taken place with Brighton, Chelsea and Manchester United, while Crystal Palace had made an approach even before the season’s end.

However, McKenna ultimately opted to stay at Town, signing a very lucrative new contract which runs to the summer of 2028, ahead of the Blues’ first season back in the Premier League for 22 years.

Despite an inevitably tough opening few months, Town celebrated McKenna’s third anniversary in the Portman Road hotseat by beating another WWFC, Wolverhampton Wanderers, 2-1 at Molineux on Saturday, courtesy of Jack Taylor’s last-gasp goal, and hit their manager’s three-year milestone very much in the hunt to retain their hard-won top-flight status.

Overall, McKenna’s record in charge of Town reads played 148, won 77, drawn 43, lost 28, a win percentage of 52.03, higher even than those of the club’s most successful managers, Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Alf Ramsey and George Burley.

Photo: Matchday Images

Terrystowel added 15:00 - Dec 16 I'm with Cheshireblue though a little older and have also been on that journey since the early 1950's. He's a special guy, it's no coincidence that you never hear of any discord in the camp and that togetherness and team spirit is a rare thing in today's money driven football environment.
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mike added 15:15 - Dec 16 Thank you for everything Kieran, what you and the club have achieved is truly remarkable!! Long may it continue!! Wishing you and your lovely family a very happy Christmas and everyone at ITFC.
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Gforce added 15:25 - Dec 16 Congratulations boss,what you've achieved in just three short years is nothing short of phenomenal. One thing is for sure,you won't be following O'Neil and Martin out of the door,why would you ,when we've got the best young coach in Britain. Whatever happens this season , I'm certain there are many more achievements & successes to come in the next few years.
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ChrisR added 15:40 - Dec 16 Lets hope ,if relegated , that K McK and management stay on to enable immediate return much and hence much stronger to the Premier League for a long term stay !
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SpiritOfJohn added 16:04 - Dec 16 Amazingly (or not) Kieran is now 12th on the longest serving current managers list. I'm hoping that he stays long enough to get to the top of the list.
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Suffolkboy added 16:23 - Dec 16 Dedicated, knowledgeable ,astute ,honest ,articulate ,a natural leader who sets incredible standards and effortlessly commands all round respect : BUT essentially a modest man he’s also an excellent member of an inspired Team at ITFC ! More of the same please Kieran ! COYB
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IpswichT62OldBoy added 16:51 - Dec 16 He reminds me of Sir Bobby Robson in many ways.
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OldFart71 added 17:00 - Dec 16 When you listen to Kieran speaking it's like being in your favourite pub on a Christmas Eve with a nice pint of ale or a glass of red or whatever your favourite tipple is. With a roaring fire, friends and family also enjoying the congeniality of the night. Such a well spoken sincere chap who we are all extremely proud of and thankful we have him. Come what may he will always be welcome in Suffolk. But we hope he will be with us for many years to come.

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therein61 added 17:25 - Dec 16 What this lovely man has achieved in 3 years at our great club is nothing short of miraculous he has done it by bringing the whole club(on and off the park) together with an honest no sugar coating approach his way of looking at players and ironing out the wrinkles they might have and improving them has been such a breath of fresh air as has his tactical awareness which will with the faith the players show in him hold us in great stead for the future this great set of lads want to go out in every game and win it for him.

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Dissboyitfc added 17:32 - Dec 16 An amazing job to date, really is, almost unbelievable in fact! Our best signing of the summer, wonder how long we will see him here? Taking us into Europe is a nice little dream. One thing though that is more amazing than his achievements are the doubters, one person even suggesting we should have let him go in the summer as he only stayed for the money! These kind of supporters need to give their a head a wobble, "unbelievable Jeff" Who else would have done better and who we would attract? We are many peoples favourites for the drop, cant see a top manager wanting a relegation on their CV. Kieron with the backing of Aston and co has achieved and will continue to achieve miracles, one of the best young coaches out there!

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JackSwan added 17:48 - Dec 16 I see a statue in his future.
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Linkboy13 added 18:25 - Dec 16 Great manager who gets the maximum effort from the players at his disposal and will always get my backing what ever happens in the future.
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1Warky added 19:32 - Dec 16 We're so lucky to have him. Has to be the classiest manager in the game - a perfect fit for the Town and it's heritage. Such a great character and you can see it mirrored in his players. Can't thank him enough for saving and reviving our Club. I remember at the time, when the links were made to a young Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson taking over at Town and hoping that it could happen again but never would have believed it could, and so quickly, also while playing entertaining classy football. Thank you Kieran.

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WestSussexBlue added 20:20 - Dec 16 VictorySquad. That really does sum it up perfectly.
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Edmundo added 20:37 - Dec 16 We're in tough spot now, but firstly I wouldn't give the last 3 years up for anything; secondly I wouldn't want any other Premiership manager to be at the helm. He knows exactly what we need.
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Ebantiass added 22:10 - Dec 16 Have to echo the vast majority of supporters to say a massive THANK YOU for bringing back the joy entertainment passion and commitment from the playing staff to the entire club and town. Pride is back and we give it our all week in week out. We all knew this season would be a struggle but we are clearly giving it a good go. Thank you once again and all the best for Christmas and the season to you and your family.

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Foreverdon_Blue added 14:06 - Dec 17 It really has been a wonderful 3 years - thank you Kieran!!
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Writtleblue added 10:27 - Dec 18 A happy Suffolk Christmas to Keiran and his family also to everyone on here. I'm actually an Essex boy but my Dad was from Suffolk so I've always had a great affection for the county.
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