Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna pledges future to the club even if they are relegated from the Premier League this season

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has pledged his future to the club – even if they are relegated from the Premier League.

The Blues sit 12 points from safety with just seven games left and face a trip to fourth-placed Chelsea on Sunday (2pm).

But when asked at his pre-match press conference if he’s still committed to leading the Suffolk club if they start next season in the Championship, McKenna’s answer was emphatic.

“Short answer is yes,” he said. “I'm still happy here.

“The year has been a challenge, it was always going to be a challenge.

“The fact it was going to be a big challenge was one of the reasons why I wanted to stay last year because I felt it was the right thing to do.

“As I've said a few times, I think the club has a fantastically bright future in many different ways. It's a club that's on the up, irrespective of a possible, you can say probable, backward step this year.

“There's still a great potential to make some big strides over the next few years. I'm excited to be part of that. I'm proud to lead it.

“I was proud to lead the club when we were in League One. I was proud to lead the club when we were in the Championship. I'm proud to lead the club now in the Premier League.

“That doesn't change my perspective too much. We're already looking forward. Again, to be honest, irrespective of what division we're in, we're already looking forward to progressing the club further.”

McKenna signed a new long-term contract after Ipswich were promoted to the top flight last season, having been linked with a number of managerial roles including Manchester United and Chelsea.

After joining from Manchester United’s coaching team in December 16, 2021 as the American ownership (Gamechanger 20 Ltd) ground’s first appointment, the Northern Irishman would be set to lead the Blues into an opening day fixture for the fourth time.