Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on Kieran McKenna’s big decision to remain at Ipswich Town this season.
After Kieran McKenna guided Ipswich Town from EFL League One to the Premier League in two seasons, the queue of top clubs who are keen on the Northern Irishman has increased, seemingly week by week.
HITC reported that Brighton & Hove Albion, who had lost Roberto De Zerbi, were keen on the 38-year-old and were indeed confident they would get the appointment over the line this summer.
Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with a move but the West London club decided to go for Enzo Maresca, whilst a decision has still yet to be made at Old Trafford.
United’s top brass are understood to be split on the decision but one is expected soon.
Carragher on McKenna
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the decision made by McKenna to remain at Portman Road is a huge one for the club’s chances of remaining in the Premier League.
“I think it’s massive, it’s huge for them,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “He’s still relatively inexperienced but it seems pretty obvious that some of the biggest clubs have spoken to his people but I think he’s made the right move.
“It’s great for Ipswich, of course, but for McKenna himself, too. You want to see the promoted teams do well this season, I think it was difficult last season because the gulf between the Premier League and the Championship is a big one.”
Out of 131 games he has managed for the East Anglian side, McKenna has won 76 games for the club and boasts an impressive win percentage of 58%.
McKenna staying huge for club
With the former United coach commiting to a new long-term deal at the club, this will give him the best chance to develop and grow.
If Ipswich pull off the impossible and manage to stay in the Premier League, then the suitors for the 38-year-old will only increase and maybe then he’ll look at moving on.
But for now, McKenna remaining at Portman Road is the correct decision. Brighton & Hove Albion will now have to explore different options with former manager Graham Potter not ruled out, HITC understands.
