Kieran McKenna Steps Down as Ipswich Manager; Fulham Manager Search Continues
Kieran McKenna resigned as Ipswich Town head coach on June 10, 2026, citing a need to recharge and spend time with family, despite leading the club to Championship promotion. Fulham, seeking a replacement for Marco Silva, had targeted McKenna but he declined all offers. Fulham now evaluates other candidates including Frank Lampard, Hugo Oliveira, and Abel Ferreira, while Ipswich prepares for a succession plan.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Misses out on Premier League Return as Ipswich Hires Gary O'Neil
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, former Manchester United manager, has missed out on a return to Premier League management after Ipswich Town hired Gary O'Neil on a three-year deal to replace Kieran McKenna. Solskjaer, who has been out of management since leaving Besiktas in August 2025, was considered a leading contender for the Ipswich job. His Premier League managerial record includes a 44.9% win rate over 127 games with Manchester United and Cardiff City. Ipswich confirmed O'Neil's appointment from French side Strasbourg on June 23, 2026, with the former Wolves boss signing a deal until summer 2029. McKenna departed Ipswich earlier in June after guiding the club to automatic promotion.
Yardbarker: SoccerOle Gunnar Solskjaer emerges as leading candidate for Premier League return
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as a leading candidate for a vacant Premier League managerial position following Kieran McKenna's departure from Ipswich Town. According to BBC Sport, Solskjaer is high on the shortlist. The Norwegian has not managed in English football since leaving Manchester United in November 2021, where he guided the club to a second-place Premier League finish in 2020/21 and a Europa League final. After a break, he managed Turkish side Besiktas but left last summer. The connection to McKenna and his assistant Martyn Pert, who both worked under Solskjaer at Manchester United, is cited as a factor in his consideration. Gary O'Neil is also reported as a contender. Solskjaer was previously considered for a return to Manchester United but the club chose Michael Carrick instead.
Yardbarker: SoccerEx-Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in two-horse race for Premier League job
Ipswich Town are searching for a new manager after Kieran McKenna stepped down last week, just weeks after guiding the club to a third promotion in five years. Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has been out of work since being sacked by Besiktas in August 2025, is among the candidates. He is in a two-horse race with Gary O'Neil, currently managing French club Strasbourg. O'Neil has a track record of keeping Premier League clubs up, having done so with Bournemouth in 2023 and leading Wolves to 14th place. McKenna, who previously worked under Solskjaer at Manchester United, said he left to take a break and spend more time with his family.
Mirror - FootballOle Gunnar Solskjaer Among Candidates for Ipswich Town Head Coach
According to BBC, former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Strasbourg manager Gary O'Neil are leading candidates to become the new head coach of Ipswich Town, following the resignation of Kieran McKenna. McKenna, who worked under Solskjaer at Manchester United, led Ipswich to promotion to the Premier League as Championship runners-up last season but stepped down to spend time with his family. Solskjaer, who has been out of coaching since leaving Besiktas last summer, is eager to return to management. Ipswich's CEO Mark Ashton has long admired O'Neil, who previously worked under him at Bristol City. The club is seeking a successor to continue its recent success, which includes three promotions in four seasons.
虎扑 - 足球Kieran McKenna leaves emotional legacy at Ipswich to last generations
Kieran McKenna has stepped down as Ipswich Town manager after an extraordinary tenure that saw the club achieve three promotions in four seasons, including a return to the Premier League after 22 years. In an emotional farewell address, the 40-year-old cited the need for a break to prioritise his young family, a decision described as refreshing in modern football. McKenna transformed the club's relationship with the community, living near the town centre and becoming a beloved figure akin to legendary managers Bobby Robson and Alf Ramsey. Despite lucrative offers and a contract among the top flight's best-paid, he chose to leave while his bond with the club remained strong, leaving a legacy expected to last generations.
Football | The GuardianKieran McKenna leaves emotional legacy at Ipswich to last generations
Kieran McKenna has stepped down as Ipswich Town manager after an extraordinary tenure that saw the club achieve three promotions in four seasons, culminating in a return to the Premier League. The 40-year-old Northern Irishman, who transformed the club's relationship with its community and left a lasting legacy, cited a need for a break to prioritize his young family. Despite lucrative offers and a sky-high stock among fans, McKenna chose to depart while the affection remained strong. His farewell address was intensely emotional, reflecting a rare honesty in modern football management. The article highlights his grounded nature, lack of interest in fame, and deep integration into Ipswich's community fabric, comparing his impact to legendary managers Bobby Robson and Alf Ramsey.
Football | The GuardianIpswich Town considers Liam Rosenior to replace Kieran McKenna
Ipswich Town, recently promoted to the Premier League after finishing second in the Championship, is searching for a new manager following Kieran McKenna's resignation. McKenna, who had been at the club since 2011, announced his departure with a statement expressing mixed emotions. Among the candidates to replace him is Liam Rosenior, the 41-year-old former Chelsea and Strasbourg coach. Rosenior was sacked by Chelsea in April 2026 after only three months in charge, having previously managed Hull City and Strasbourg. Ipswich is also reportedly interested in Gary O'Neil, currently at Strasbourg. The article suggests Rosenior could be offered a chance to return to Premier League management with Ipswich.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertGary O'Neil Emerges as Candidate for Ipswich Town Manager Role After McKenna's Resignation
According to The Daily Telegraph, Strasbourg manager Gary O'Neil is a potential candidate to succeed Kieran McKenna as Ipswich Town manager. McKenna resigned after leading Ipswich back to the Premier League following relegation in 2025. O'Neil, who previously managed Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League, took over at Strasbourg in January and led them to the Europa Conference League semi-finals. Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton expressed 'extreme regret' over McKenna's departure, praising his five-year tenure as 'incredible.' McKenna, widely regarded as one of football's brightest young managers, confirmed his exit in a club video. The new manager will face a daunting task in the Premier League.
虎扑 - 足球Nine Premier League Teams to Start New Season with New Managers After Ipswich Town Change
Ipswich Town has announced that head coach Kieran McKenna will leave his position this summer to rest and spend time with family, with no immediate plans to coach another team. According to a tally by LiveScore, this makes Ipswich the ninth Premier League club that will start the upcoming season with a different head coach compared to the beginning of last season. The other eight clubs are Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace. This represents 45% of the 20 Premier League teams, nearly half, highlighting a significant wave of managerial changes in English top-flight football.
虎扑 - 足球Ipswich Town Manager Kieran McKenna Departs After Premier League Promotion
Ipswich Town, recently promoted to the Premier League after finishing second in the Championship, announced the departure of manager Kieran McKenna on June 10, 2026. The 40-year-old Northern Irish coach, who had two years remaining on his contract, chose to leave the East of England club. McKenna achieved three promotions in five years at Ipswich: one from League One to the Championship (2022-2023) and two from the Championship to the Premier League (2023-2024 and 2025-2026). He is expected to join Fulham, whose former manager Marco Silva recently left for Benfica. Ipswich has not yet announced a successor.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuKieran McKenna Steps Down as Ipswich Town Manager After Premier League Promotion
Ipswich Town officially announced on June 11 that manager Kieran McKenna will leave his role, just after leading the club back to the Premier League. McKenna took over in December 2021 when Ipswich was in League One, guiding them to promotion and then, after a brief relegation to the Championship, securing an immediate return as runners-up. He cited exhaustion and a desire to spend more time with family as reasons for his departure. Despite previous links to Fulham, reports indicate he has no immediate plans to manage another club. Ipswich now faces the urgent task of finding a new head coach ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
虎扑 - 足球Fulham Evaluates Head Coach Candidates Including Amorim, McKenna, and Lampard
According to Talksport reporter Ben Jacobs, Fulham is evaluating multiple candidates for their head coach position after Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna chose to temporarily step away from football. The shortlist includes Frank Lampard, Famalicão manager Hugo Oliveira (who previously worked with Marco Silva), and Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira. Ruben Amorim has also been discussed, though it is unclear whether the former Manchester United manager is interested in the role. The club's coaching search has entered a new evaluation phase following McKenna's resignation.
虎扑 - 足球Kieran McKenna steps down as Ipswich manager to take break
Kieran McKenna has resigned as manager of Ipswich Town after four and a half years, citing a need to recharge and spend more time with his family. The 40-year-old led the club from League One to the Premier League via consecutive promotions in 2023-24, but could not keep them in the top flight the following season. He departed on a high after Ipswich finished second in the Championship in 2025-26, securing another promotion. McKenna had been linked with the vacant Fulham job but has no immediate position lined up. Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton expressed being 'gutted' by the decision but respected it. The club, backed by US investors and set to open a new training ground, is not expected to appoint a replacement immediately.
Football | The GuardianKieran McKenna stepping down as Ipswich boss to take a break from football amid Fulham interest
Kieran McKenna is stepping down as Ipswich Town head coach to take a break from football, Sky Sports News reports. The 40-year-old had been linked with the vacant Fulham managerial position following Marco Silva's exit, but sources confirm he will not be taking over at Fulham or any other club in the near future. Ipswich are financially protected should McKenna take a new role within the next 12 months, with a compensation clause of approximately £7 million tied to the remaining time on his contract. The announcement was made on June 10, 2026, and further details are expected to follow.
SkySports | NewsFulham Targets Ipswich Manager Kieran McKenna with £8 Million Release Clause
According to talkSPORT chief reporter Alex Crook, Kieran McKenna is increasingly likely to leave Ipswich Town this summer. The 40-year-old manager, who led Ipswich to two consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League and back again after relegation, is Fulham's preferred target to replace Marco Silva. Fulham is weighing whether to activate McKenna's £8 million release clause, and McKenna is reportedly keen on the move. Ipswich hopes to retain him but acknowledges they cannot prevent the transfer if the clause is triggered and is already working on succession plans. McKenna was also a candidate for Crystal Palace, but they are now pursuing Lens coach Pierre Sage. Fulham had also considered Thomas Frank, but he has ruled out a return to coaching this summer. Former Fulham and Ipswich striker Darren Bent endorsed the move, citing McKenna's Premier League experience from his time at Manchester United as an assistant coach under Mourinho, Solskjaer, and Rangnick.
虎扑 - 足球Slott Rejects Fulham Coaching Offer, Prefers Break
According to multiple media outlets including The Times, Dutch coach Slott has rejected Fulham's invitation to become their next head coach, preferring to take a break first. Slott was recently sacked by Liverpool, and Fulham are searching for a replacement after Marco Silva left for Benfica. Fulham now turn to other candidates, with Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna emerging as the leading contender. McKenna's contract includes an £8 million release clause activated upon Ipswich's Premier League promotion. Former Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was also considered but ruled out a Premier League return this summer. Fulham will accelerate their search to secure a new head coach before the new season, aiming to maintain stable Premier League performance.
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