Ipswich can forget O’Neil by hiring former Spurs manager to replace McKenna

After securing promotion back to the Premier League, almost every Ipswich Town fan was expecting Kieran McKenna to end some unfinished business in the top flight. Those plans have now collapsed in the most unexpected fashion, however.

The Portman Road hero has stepped down from his tenure and is set to take time away from management, leaving the Tractor Boys in a desperate search for the head coach who could keep them afloat next season.

The fallout from McKenna’s Ipswich exit

There was always a fear that this day would come. Many just believed it would accompany the news of McKenna’s arrival at another club. Instead, he’s set to step away from the technical area entirely, sparking much surprise across Suffolk.

The former Manchester United coach has ditched the chance to make up for the 24/25 campaign and turn his side into an established top flight team. Just where those at Portman Road go from here is anyone’s guess, but they must get their next move right.

McKenna told the club’s website after announcing his departure: “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.”

Several potential replacements are already threatening to steal the headlines, including the likes of Gary O’Neil and Liam Rosenior. Alas, neither should land the job ahead of an ex-Premier League boss who earned incredibly high praise from Pep Guardiola in the past.

Ipswich should push for former Tottenham boss

Tottenham Hotspur’s near miss with relegation may have tarnished Thomas Frank’s reputation somewhat, but it’s worth noting just how many managers have failed to hit the mark in North London and where the Dane stood amongst his peers prior to his time at the club.

He’ll be the first to admit several mistakes, and the first was taking the job.

Frank was never the right profile for a side like Spurs, who want to play expansive football with the majority of possession in most games. His Brentford side were the total opposite of that, hitting sides on the counter better than just about anyone in England.

That’s why he should be Ipswich’s top candidate. Frank thrives as an underdog up against possession sides. He’s almost baiting them in to be countered and countered in style.

Guardiola was one of many managers to suffer against that style and praised the former Brentford boss, telling reporters in 2024: “They are an extraordinary team. What they do always makes sense. Every corner is a headache. They are compact. This season, they have a high press. Thomas is one of the best.”

In terms of suitability to this current Ipswich side, it’s clear that there will need to be some investment if they want to secure promotion, but it’s also clear that the likes of Jaden Philogene would thrive under Frank.

The Dane provided the platform for Ivan Toney, Yoane Wissa and Kevin Schade to play to their strengths. He can do the same at Ipswich if they back their potential next manager in full.