THE KING OF UPSWICH
All hail the reign of rookie Kieran after back-to-back promotions put his Tractor Boys in top gear
IPSWICH 2
HUDDERSFIELD 0 KIERAN McKenna’s Ipswich Town reign has been a nonstop spectacular success.
And according to their rookie manager, who in twoand-a-half years has led the Suffolk club from League One mediocrity into the Premier League, the reason why is actually pretty simple.
After clinching a second straight promotion with Saturday’s victory over relegated Huddersfield, McKenna opened up on his overnight transition from unknown Manchester United assistant coach to Portman Road sensation.
Sticking to the principles and strategies that landed him the post in the first place looks like the uncomplicated key to everything the Northern Irishman has achieved since December 2021.
McKenna, 37, explained: “Of course, it’s a different job but my answer is there’s an awful lot more similarities than differences.
“My career to this point, as a youth coach at Tottenham and Manchester United, was trying to improve players and teams and also to develop a style of play.
“Then when you move into senior football, it’s about winning.
“And that’s been the basis of my work here every day, to try to make players better, the team better, and to win. “But I also like the leadership side. It’s in my nature. I was always a captain. I really enjoy the responsibility.” All of which is excellent news for any Tractor Boy fans fearing a bigger and moreestablished Premier League outfit may attempt to poach one of the brightest young managerial talents around.
Perish the thought. For the time being, McKenna (right), robbed of a promising playing career at Spurs by hip injuries, feels there is much to be done exactly where he is.
“No, no, I love it here. It’s a fantastic club and I’m so proud to be manager,” he added, after Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson strikes ended the club’s 22year exile from the English elite.
“Speculation has been around for the last two years, to be honest. I’ve shown loyalty to the club through that. I’m really pleased that I’ve stuck with it and achieved what we have.
“And there’s still big, exciting stuff to come for the club.”
Amid the hosts’ ecstasy, spare a thought for the Terriers – third-tier bound less than a decade after reaching the Premier League promised land.
Boss Andre Breitenreiter, appointed in February, said: “Normally, when you get relegated you have no friends. But here I feel that my style and honesty is respected.”