Chelsea target Kieran McKenna has signed a new long-term deal with Ipswich Town following interest in his services. The Tractor Boys manager was tipped to leave Portman Road, despite leading them to the Premier League after back-to-back promotions.
football.london reported last week that the Blues had made the first contact with the Northern Irish tactician in a bid to replace Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine’s spell at Stamford Bridge came to an end after less than a year by mutual consent, despite leading Chelsea to an unlikely European qualification.
McKenna was on Chelsea’s shortlist of candidates to replace the former Tottenham Hotspur head coach and emerged as one of the leading names after his success with the East Anglian club. Chelsea initially contacted the newly-promoted club, expressing their interest in making him their new manager.
READ MORE: What Chelsea chiefs are doing to seal Enzo Maresca next manager appointment
READ MORE: Enzo Maresca is the right man for Chelsea but he has one clear Todd Boehly problem to solve
However, it has since emerged that Enzo Maresca is now the preferred candidate to take over the Stamford Bridge hot seat. Chelsea’s sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart were expected to fly to Spain to continue negotiations with the Italian over the vacant managerial position.
Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion were said to have also been interested in McKenna. Meanwhile the Red Devils were keen on bringing him back to Old Trafford, after departing his role as first-team coach in order to take up the Ipswich role.
The Telegraph reported on earlier this week that McKenna was in advanced talks to sign a new lucrative contract despite interest from West London. It has been suggested that the 38-year-old decided to withdraw from Chelsea’s appointment process over the weekend, while Ipswich chiefs worked behind the scenes to tie McKenna down.
Majority shareholder Ed Schwartz reportedly flew in from the United States to hold talks with McKenna, alongside club chief executive Mark Ashton. McKenna had only signed a new deal last summer, which tied him down at Portman Road until 2027.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that McKenna, who was named League Managers Association’s manager of the year after ending Ipswich’s 22-year hiatus from the English top-flight, had signed a new four-year extension with the club.
“I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club,” he said, speaking to the official website. “We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons and I’m excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading this fantastic Club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years.
“Preparation and planning for the challenge ahead has been ongoing since we won promotion at the beginning of May, with plenty of work still to do before the start of the new season at what is such an exciting time for everyone at the club.”
“I am so happy to have committed my future to taking the next step with Ipswich Town and am really excited for what’s ahead as we continue this journey together.”
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you’ll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you’ve followed, and you won’t miss a beat!
