EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock (13429092ai) Kieran McKenna manager of Ipswich Town celebrates with Freddie Ladapo of Ipswich Town at full time Ipswich Town v Portsmouth, EFL Sky Bet League One, Football, Portman Road, Ipswich, UK - 01 Oct 2022
Kieran McKenna contract clause hints Man Utd players got it wrong about former coach
Kieran McKenna has taken Ipswich Town from League One to second in the Championship and the Tractor Boys don’t want to lose their exciting young manager and have made financial moves to protect themselves
Kieran McKenna is continuing to make his critics look silly, with Ipswich Town ready to fend off Premier League interest with a £4million release clause.
The manager at Portman Road has enjoyed a sensational start to life as a No 1 having served as assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United in the past. He reportedly failed to convince some of the stars at Old Trafford and took the decision to step out on his own and has led the Tractor Boys impressively in recent seasons.
Last term he got the East Anglia outfit promoted automatically from League One and they were immediately tipped to make an impact in the second tier. They have backed that up, winning nine of their 11 games to sit second in the Championship after a record-breaking start.
The hierarchy at Ipswich are wise to the admiring glances coming McKenna’s way and wanted to ensure they are protected should a big fish come knocking. The Sun reports that they have inserted a £4m exit clause should anyone want to prise their manager away
The 37-year-old is one of several young managers making an impact up and down the Football League, but leaving Portman Road could be a tough sell. McKenna is believed to earn £25,000-a-week plus bonuses with his side well placed to challenge.
Ipswich’s manager has previously opened up on his plans, telling the Telegraph : “The ambition of the club is to get back to the Premier League as well so let’s hope that those two paths will cross at the same time.
“But beyond that I don’t plan too far ahead. It is my responsibility as a manager to pour all my commitment and energy into helping the club. From there the football will take care of itself, and it will take you where it takes you.”
Leeds are currently the only side to beat Ipswich, securing a 4-3 win back in August. McKenna’s side saw off high-flying Preston on Saturday in a six-goal thriller as they continued to earn plaudits for their entertaining brand of football.
