McKenna: The Majority of the Work's Done But Things Can Come Up Late Friday, 29th Aug 2025 16:11 Town boss Kieran McKenna says the majority of the Blues’ summer transfer work is done following the signings of Marcelino Núñez, Darnell Furlong and Iván Azón, and with Norwegian international Sindre Walle Egeli close to joining the club from FC Nordsjælland, but isn’t entirely ruling out further additions before Monday’s 7pm deadline.
Egeli, 19, who is at the club to complete his switch, will be the 11th signing of a summer of great change at Portman Road with a number of established players, including skipper Sam Morsy, having moved on.
“I think the majority of the work is done now, for sure,” McKenna said when asked if there might be any more incomings.
“You never know incomings or outgoings, things can come up late in the window, but I think the majority of the group is together now and we’ll be glad to get to Monday night.”
Is he pleased that signing the likes of Núñez, Furlong, Ázon and, hopefully, Egeli hasn’t dragged on until the final day?
“Yes,” he reflected. “It’s late, so I don’t know how many of them are going to have a big, big impact on the game tomorrow, so the reality is that a lot of our additions, certainly the ones this week, but probably the last couple before that [Jens Cajuste and Chuba Akpom], we’re certainly not going to see the best of them or anything like that until after the international break.
“It means that we’re going into the weekend with pretty good clarity on where we’re at in a couple of positions and barring possible late bits of movement, we know that we have the majority of the squad here that we believe can be successful.
“We also know that that’s a squad that’s coming together really late. A lot of the boys are going to be flying to different parts of the world on Monday, so we know there are some challenges attached to that.
“But I guess it’s best to have at least some players in the building today to meet their other teammates, to get the introductions done and then everyone’s focus then is just towards Saturday.
“And then the group will break up a little bit, but hopefully with a good result that means when we come back after the international break, we’re really ready to come together as a group and push on.”
Questioned again on further additions, he added: “I don’t think you can rule it out. The depth is good at the moment, so any changes probably would involve outgoings at this point. Our numbers are looking pretty healthy now.
“We’ll see how the next few days go, I don’t think you can ever rule anything out because you don’t know what might come in either direction on the last few days.”
Town now have 30 players who qualify for the 25-man squad with Egeli under 21 and Conor Townsend, who is out for the season, unlikely to be registered.
McKenna admits that some trimming will have to be done before Monday evening: “Yes, we’d expect that. There will likely be a couple of outgoings, of course, we have some injured players as well.
“There’s still work to do in that department and it’s really important that we try and be on Monday night with just the right balance.
“If you want to be one of the strongest teams in the division and teams are going to play against you with a lot of motivation and a lot of discipline and try and make it hard for you, then you need really good options in every position on the pitch.
“We want to arrive at Monday night with that, but also not with too many that players are in a queue of three or four trying to wait for their moment on the pitch.
“It needs to be tight enough that everyone feels like they’re not too far away from an opportunity.”
Elkan Baggott seems certain to be moved on on loan and Ali Al-Hamadi, Harry Clarke and Cameron Humphreys also among those who might be sent out with all three over their injuries after the international break.
McKenna says he’ll be pleased once the window is closed and he can get on with the job of developing what’s essentially a new team.
“Yes, that’s the truth of it, no two ways about that,” he continued. “The focus is on Monday but even in the press conferences it would be nice not to speak about that, but that’s by the by really.
“It’s important to have the players here, know the profile of the players we’re going to have here and then work on building the relationships and utilising the strengths of the different players that we have in the building.
“Of course, we’ve been trying to do that over the last few weeks, but when there’s uncertainty around, it’s more difficult.
“Once we have everybody in, we can really map out the squad and where we’re going to try and utilise people in different ways.
“And from a mindset in the group, the reality is that it’s much, much better for the group whenever there’s only people in the dressing room who are 100 per cent in and are going to be here for the remainder of the season or at least until January, with the shared goal of trying to have a really successful season for the club. I think both on the pitch and in the group, it will be better come Monday night.”
Photo: TWTD
Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
Tractorcookie added 16:27 - Aug 29
Some really encouraging comments and positive attitude from McKenna. Of course we would all have liked to get these deals done earlier but that is the reality of the world in which we operate in and then players we are going after now. I think we have done some great business and I am super excited for the season ahead |  | |
Radlett_blue added 16:31 - Aug 29
Al-Hamadi going to be over his injury by the end of the international break? Good, as he needs to go out on loan. |  | |
ValleyBoyBlue added 16:32 - Aug 29
So, can we all now calm down a bit please? We've got what we asked/hoped for, no panic buys, and good cover in all positions. Now it's down to you Mr McKenna. Gel this lot into a table topping team and you will be seen as the Messiah once more. A bit of a patience from us fans now, and jobsagoodun |  | |
Mark added 16:35 - Aug 29
It is a delight and a relief to have made so many signings this week, and I can't wait to enjoy the rest of the season! Our squad is looking very strong now. If we could make one more addition it would perhaps be a defensive midfielder to complete with Matusiwa, as I think our other central midfielders are more creative/attack minded. |  | |
hello66 added 16:38 - Aug 29
I think the Club has done well…..The potential is now there on the ground to definitely be stronger , I just hope all the fans give the team a little bit of patience over the next two or three games. We’ve got the international break which will help on the training ground. Some very exciting times ahead, hopefully we will get together by October 5th ! |  | |
therein61 added 16:47 - Aug 29
Great work behind the scenes re signings now it's over to you lads on the park to get used to winnings games again C.O.Y.B |  | |
ArnieM added 16:54 - Aug 29
Good window (in the end lol).... just need to bed in and for Mckenna to identify his strongest side.... |  | |
OldFart71 added 16:56 - Aug 29
Reading between the lines I think there's likely to be more out than in's. I wonder if Woofy may go as we have spent a fair amount and we have already had offers for him. |  | |
Gforce added 16:57 - Aug 29
Would be the icing on the cake,if we could also sign Caceres who would add international experience to our back line and the James the ex Brum lad would be great as well. I'm being greedy i know! |  | |
Saxonblue74 added 17:01 - Aug 29
Just never know what's next. Could be a complete curveball between now and close of window! |  | |
Bazza8564 added 17:08 - Aug 29
"Majority" means most of. GFORCE, yes please, those two! |  | |
algarvefan added 17:13 - Aug 29
I hope the complainers are at least a bit happier now, those of you who had us in Division 1 next season, think again. I'm kinda hoping that next season is the promotion season as I think we will be better equipped than last time. We have good cover and maybe a few will indeed go on transfer and others on loans (who I hope we can recall if we need to). A win tomorrow, regardless of selection would be a great way to start the international break. COYB!!!! |  | |
Dug added 17:16 - Aug 29
Exciting times ahead! Now let’s start winning some games…COYB. |  | |
itfc2024 added 17:23 - Aug 29
sounds like wolfy is staying then which I'm happy with as don't feel we need to waste money on a unproven player I think maybe if a top player who would improve things become available I'd say go get him but I think the squad looks decent now once the Norwegian signs |  | |
Suffolkboy added 17:24 - Aug 29
Both M A. and KM have shown they’re each a man with a plan — and the re-planning of the squad looks like a tribute to much hard work! It’s brought a vibrancy and real sense of expectation ,generating hopefully positive enthusiasm amongst the supporters ! Congratulations to all ai ITFC who have obviously been working tirelessly ! COYB |  | |
MK1 added 17:49 - Aug 29
Hopefully those slagging the club off all summer for their lack of business are finally satisfied. |  | |
TractorfactorSteve added 18:00 - Aug 29
ITFC media, please sort out your press conference audio so we can hear the questions too. Can't be that difficult? |  | |
dirtydingusmagee added 18:33 - Aug 29
Lure Sargent into our fold if only to see Carrow rd submerged in tears lol |  | |
Bert added 19:07 - Aug 29
If this is a club without a recruitment strategy and owners who have lost interest then I must have missed something. We have recruited a good blend of championship experience with lads who want to be here together with international young talent. What’s not to like about that ? |  | |
Gforce added 19:08 - Aug 29
Can't believe someone called Jeff ,marked me down just for wanting a couple more quality additions through the door. Unbelievable Jeff. |  | |
darkhorse28 added 19:32 - Aug 29
A queue of three or four. We have SEVEN players for wide right. That’s nuts. I worry about Mckennas ability to build a cohesive strategy and group. Last years build had already been abandoned completely.., and it’s easy to forget, Mark and KM never built the legacy group. Burgess, Morsy, Burns, Chaplin, Wolf, the core of the leadership group were either already at the club, or came to play for Paul Cook. We’ve signed some good players, been coached well during his reign but he’s never managed to build a core team dynamic.., and when he’s had to, so far, it’s been really poor. Time will tell.., but not sure our signings address that, Young and Nunez have some leadership qualities, but this is going to take a very long time, and that’s not a commodity on offer in football. |  | |
apnorman23 added 20:26 - Aug 29
As a Hammer/Tractor Supporting Fan of 50+ years (I'm 56 and been a season ticket holder at both). ITFC have sold and bought extremely well, a more robust, stronger, bigger squad for Championship as well as ready for possible promotion. There is method behind the signings, the Danish lad at 19 will eventually be sold for treble what he has signed for. Furlong is a great leader and experience with Young in the back line will reap reward. Midfield was boosted today, always great to knock a budgie of his perch. Outgoings. My hunch is Johnson to Celtic, AAH to Luton, Taylor on Loan back to Peterborough, Woolfy and maybe Jack Clark. Squad needs trimming. Keep Baggott, Humphries. |  | |
BobbyBell added 12:24 - Aug 30
Darkhorse28.This is now a squad game. McKenna has players who can adapt and play in various roles which he has always said he wanted. Lots of cover for all positions and flexibility. I don't think McKenna believes in a first eleven just a squad to rotate and all players being able to slot in and do their job when needed. Obviously those that impress will get more games but the door is open for anyone to play on a game to game basis. Managing minor knocks and strains and the odd ban will be much easier. |  | |
You need to login in order to post your comments
|
Blogs 299 bloggersIpswich Town Polls |