Kieran McKenna has announced he is to leave his role as Ipswich Town manager.
The 40-year-old made the surprise decision to leave, despite guiding Ipswich to Premier League promotion with a second-place Championship finish last month.
Although he has been of interest to Fulham in recent days, McKenna insists he is taking a break and not going to another job, while Ipswich are protected by a compensation clause of around £7.5million.
Chief executive Mark Ashton had made contingency plans for McKenna’s departure as it had been mooted as a possibility.
He has been considered for a number of top jobs in recent seasons while Fulham are big admirers but reluctant to pay such a compensation figure.
He said in an emotional message on the club’s website: ‘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.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is leaving the club just weeks after leading them to the Premier League
He oversaw three promotions in five years but departs to take some time away from the game
‘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. 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.
‘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 had formerly worked as a coach at Manchester United, working with Jose Mourinho as assistant manager alongside current Red Devils boss Michael Carrick.
He continued his role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, before his departure to taker over Ipswich in his first senior role.
He took over as Ipswich manager in December 2021, when they were in League One. In his first full season in charge, he guided them to promotion and then a year later, finished second in the Championship to return Ipswich to the top flight for the first time since 2001.
‘There are so many people I would like to thank who have played their part in this journey,’ his goodbye message continued. ‘Firstly, to Mark Ashton and the Board for giving me the opportunity, at 35 years old, to manage such a massive football club, and for the unwavering support and trust they have shown ever since.
‘To my coaching staff and all the wonderful staff at Portman Road and our Playford Road training centre, who work tirelessly to progress the club in every way. To all of the players who have represented the club with professionalism and passion over the past five years.
McKenna had previously worked on the coaching staff at Manchester United before taking over at Ipswich
‘Most importantly, thank you to the amazing fans and supporters of Ipswich Town. You have followed this football club through wonderful highs and difficult lows. I will be forever grateful for the way that you welcomed myself and my family, both to the football club and to the county of Suffolk. I will cherish the memories that we have shared together for the rest of my life.
‘Ipswich Town will always have a special place in our hearts.’
McKenna’s exit means at least seven of next season’s 20 Premier League teams will be starting the campaign with a new manager.
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