Kieran McKenna was mentioned as a possible candidate for the Celtic head coach role after Brendan Rodgers stepped down, although the Scottish champions ultimately turned to French coach Wilfried Nancy, a decision that has so far failed to deliver positive results.
McKenna has enjoyed remarkable success at Ipswich Town since taking charge in December 2021 in his first senior managerial post. He guided the club from League One to the Premier League with successive promotions, cementing his status as a key figure at Portman Road. Even after Ipswich were relegated back to the Championship last season, there was never any serious doubt over his position, and despite an inconsistent campaign so far, his standing at the club remains secure.
When Rodgers left Celtic, McKenna was reportedly considered as a potential replacement before Nancy was appointed. Nancy arrived in Glasgow after spells in Major League Soccer with CF Montreal and Columbus Crew, but his transition to Scottish football has been difficult. He has lost his first four matches in charge, a run that has placed him under intense pressure and seen him set unwanted records.
With scrutiny increasing on Nancy, McKenna’s name has once again been linked with Celtic, particularly if a change is made at Celtic Park.
McKenna addressed the speculation earlier in the season and was keen to play down any suggestion of a move. He said that his focus was fully on Ipswich, describing his role there as a special job at a major club and insisting that he works with a long-term mindset. He stressed that his attention was firmly on improving the team rather than considering outside opportunities.
Any attempt to prise McKenna away from Ipswich would come at a significant cost. Reports suggest a compensation fee of at least £5 million would be required, following the four-year contract extension he signed in May 2024 after the club’s promotion.
While Ipswich have not quite matched the standards of their promotion-winning sides, McKenna has been open about the challenges his team faces. After a late draw with Blackburn Rovers in December, he acknowledged that this group has yet to find the same chemistry and connection that defined previous seasons. He noted that, despite strong underlying statistics, something intangible is missing compared to the squad that achieved back-to-back promotions.
That issue has been evident at times this season, including in the recent defeat to Leicester City, where McKenna admitted his players still need to improve their response after falling behind in matches.
Although the campaign has not unfolded as hoped, McKenna retains strong backing from supporters, who credit him with transforming the club both on and off the pitch. His influence extends beyond results, having helped stabilise Ipswich financially and shape the squad in line with a clear vision. He is now the club’s longest-serving head coach since Mick McCarthy, a testament to the stability he has brought.
Losing McKenna would be a major setback for Ipswich. His close connection with the fanbase, his deep understanding of the squad, and his role in the club’s revival make him difficult to replace. Despite recent struggles, Ipswich remain in the play-off positions, and McKenna will believe he is still capable of leading the Tractor Boys back to the Premier League.