Kieran McKenna delivers promotion to Premier League for Ipswich after win over Huddersfield
Ipswich finished one point behind Leicester City after today's final Championship game
Kieran McKenna has delivered Premier League football for Ipswich Town for the first time in over two decades.
The Fermanagh man took over the Tractor Boys 18 months ago when they sat 12th in League One and has since gone on to secure back-to-back promotions after a 2-0 win over Huddersfield today.
Just a point was needed from today’s final Championship game but goals from Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson ensured McKenna’s side finished 2nd, one point behind champions Leicester City.
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It’s the first time Ipswich will play in the Premier League since 2002 with McKenna turning around the club’s fortunes after leaving a coaching role at Manchester United to take the hotseat for the first time in his career.
The 37-year-old has had coaching spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, and Canadian side Vancouver Whitecaps after his playing career ended early with him representing Northern Ireland at youth level.
Speaking to Sky Sports after today’s game, McKenna said: “It means a lot. Mostly to see how much it means to everyone, the players, to the supporters.”
“It’s a wonderful day, very, very proud for everyone involved.”
“Yeah, I thought it was a really good performance,” he added. “We were under pressure and have delivered a really good performance. We should have had more goals, and we stuck to what we’ve done all year and that has served us well.”
“It’s took an incredible amount of effort, I have to say. Sacrifice and support from a lot of people. It’s a wonderful achievement, I'm sure it will sink in, in a couple of days. So, so proud of everyone.”
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