Ipswich Town have suffered a significant setback ahead of their Premier League comeback, as Kieran McKenna has officially announced his resignation from the managerial post. The 40-year-old tactician, who guided the Tractor Boys to consecutive promotions, has opted to step away from football for the time being, putting an end to speculation linking him with a move to Fulham.

A surprising exit following promotion success

McKenna’s decision to leave has taken everyone at Portman Road by surprise, coming just weeks after he masterminded Ipswich’s long-awaited return to the Premier League. Despite the club’s remarkable rise under his leadership, the Northern Irish coach believes his journey with the club has reached its natural conclusion.

The announcement comes amid rumours of a possible switch to Fulham. With Marco Silva departing Craven Cottage to take charge of Benfica as Jose Mourinho’s successor, McKenna’s reputation as one of English football’s most promising young managers made him a strong contender for the role. However, Ipswich’s statement confirming his departure clarified that McKenna has “made the decision to take time away from football management.”

McKenna outlines reasons behind stepping down

In an emotional message, McKenna elaborated on his reasons for leaving, stressing that the decision was not made in haste. He first took charge on 16 December 2021 when Ipswich were in League One, and led them to promotion to the Championship at the end of the 2022–23 season. Following this year’s intense campaign to return to the Premier League, McKenna revealed that he now wishes to prioritise family and personal well-being before contemplating his next professional challenge.

“It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club. When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside,” McKenna said.

Leaving behind a strong legacy at Portman Road

McKenna’s era at Ipswich will be remembered as one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern timeline. Having taken over a side that was struggling in the lower divisions, he leaves behind a team well-equipped for life in the Premier League. His accomplishments were recognised when he was named the Championship Manager of the Season for 2023–24 after leading Ipswich to a second-place finish and top-flight promotion for the first time since 2002. Ipswich also became the first club since Southampton in 2012 to achieve back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

Reflecting on his time at the helm, McKenna expressed: “I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club. To manage this club has been an absolute privilege. Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.”

Family time before the next chapter

Although speculation about a potential move to Fulham continues, McKenna has emphasised that his immediate focus is on taking a well-earned break from managerial duties. Despite Ipswich being relegated from the Premier League during the 2024–25 season under his management, he showed remarkable resilience by guiding them back to the top flight after finishing second in the Championship in the 2025–26 campaign.

“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far,” McKenna added.