McKenna has decided to resign as head coach of Ipswich Town for personal reasons.

Ipswich Town officially announced on Wednesday that 40-year-old Kieran McKenna has decided to resign as head coach for personal reasons.

McKenna spent many years working in the youth academies of Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Vancouver Whitecaps, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United. He then served as an assistant coach to four Manchester United managers: José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, and Ralf Rangnick. In December 2021, he began his independent first-team coaching career at Ipswich Town.

To date, McKenna's record as manager of Ipswich Town is 106 wins, 60 draws, and 56 losses. He led the team to a remarkable promotion from League One to the Premier League within two years, but unfortunately, they were relegated to the Championship the following year due to finishing second-to-last.

Before announcing his resignation, McKenna had just led Ipswich Town to a Premier League spot for the next season. He is not expected to immediately seek another managerial job after leaving Ipswich, but rather to take a break from football for a while.

In an official statement released by Ipswich Town, McKenna said with deep emotion: "With mixed feelings of gratitude, pride, sadness and satisfaction, I have decided to step down as manager of this historic club that I have been so honored to be a part of.

“When you’ve built such a deep connection with a club, there’s never a perfect moment to say goodbye. However, after weeks of careful consideration, I believe it’s the right time for me to step down. I’m incredibly proud of the amazing progress we’ve made and I’m full of hope and optimism for the club’s future.”

“It has been a great honor for me to coach this club. Over the past five seasons, we have gone through an incredible journey together. This journey has brought me countless wonderful experiences in my professional and personal life.”

“I’ve poured my heart and soul into this job over the past five seasons. Now, I hope to take a break from coaching and spend some time with my family. They have been with me every step of the way in my coaching career.”

“Many people have played a vital role in this journey, and I would like to thank them one by one. First, thank you to Mark Ashton and the board for giving me, at 35, the opportunity to manage a top club and for their unwavering support and trust. Thank you to my coaching staff and all the wonderful staff at Portman Road Stadium and Prayford Road Training Centre. They work tirelessly and push the club forward in every way. Thank you to all the players who have represented the club with professionalism and passion over the past five years.”

"Most importantly, thank you to the amazing fans and supporters of Ipswich Town. You have been with the club through its glorious peaks and difficult troughs. I will always be grateful for the warm welcome you gave to me and my family. I will cherish the wonderful memories we shared together for the rest of my life."

“Ipswich will always hold a special place in my heart,” McKenna concluded.

Image source: Internet/Ipswich official website