Summary

  • Kieran McKenna steps down after five seasons as Town boss

  • Club says he has made the "decision to take time away from football management"

  • In a statement, McKenna says he is "looking forward" to dedicating time to his family

  • It comes as Town returns to the Premier League for the new season in August

  • Town chairman Mark Ashton says: "The job Kieran has done at this football club over the last five years is simply incredible"

  • BBC Radio Suffolk commentator Brenner Woolley says the club likely has a list of replacements

Live Reporting

Written by Alice Cunningham; Edited by Ellena Cruse

  1. Thank you to the fans

    Kieran McKenna with his arms aloftGetty Images

    McKenna pays tribute to players, staff and supporters in his statement.

    “There are so many people I would like to thank who have played their part in this journey," he says.

    "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.

    “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.”

  2. 'Never a good time to say goodbye'

    Kieran McKennaGetty Images

    Ipswich Town released a statement on McKenna's departure, in which the departing boss says: “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.

    “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."

  3. Break from management

    The 40-year-old Northern Irishman, who had been heavily linked with Fulham, says he wants to take a break from management to spend time with his family.

  4. Kieran McKenna steps down as Ipswich manager

    Welcome to our special live page, reacting to tonight's shock news that Kieran McKenna is stepping down as Ipswich Town manager after the club's promotion to the Premier League. We'll bring you more news and reaction as soon as we have it.