Kieran McKenna signs four-year contract extension at Ipswich Town to end speculation after reported interest from Celtic and Leicester City

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has ended the speculation on his future by signing a four-year contract with the newly-pormoted Sky Bet Championship club.

Rumours of interest in the former Manchester United coach had been rife on social media with some accounts even suggesting he had had an interview with former Premier League champions Leicester City, who will be in Town’s division in 2023/24.

Scottish champions Celtic were also another club linked with the 37-year-old Northern Irishman, though today’s news that he is committed until the summer of 2027 kicks all of that into touch, to the delight of Blues fans across Suffolk and beyond.

McKenna led Town to automatic promotion as runners-up in League One in his first full season in charge, having made the move into his first senior manager role to replace Paul Cook in December, 2021.

The Suffolk club earned promotion with a total of 98 points and 101 goals scored – the latter being the most in the top four divisions of English football in 2022/23.

Since Kieran’s arrival the Blues have won 44, and lost just 12, of 79 games across all competitions.

After agreeing the new deal at Portman Road, McKenna told the club’s website: “I’ve loved almost every minute of my time at the Club so far and it’s a proud and joyous day to be able to extend my stay.

“I look forward to leading the club in the challenges ahead.

“It’s clear to see the club is ambitious and moving in a positive direction, but we need to work hard each day to keep going.

“We have fantastic support, great owners, a really strong board and a staff and group of players who are fighting to keep pushing the club forward.

“That’s great to be a part of and I’m really looking forward to the next steps.”

Chief executive Mark Ashton said: “We are delighted that Kieran has signed a new deal.

“Whilst Kieran’s new contract rewards him for the progression the team has made under his leadership over the last 18 months - culminating in promotion back to the Championship in April this year - it also paves the way for the future development which can be built on continued stability.

“It is an indicator of the further progression the club wishes to make, with continued investment in infrastructure and key personnel.”