Why Ipswich Town should be worried about Kieran McKenna, Brentford news - there are 3 clear reasons | OneFootball

Kieran McKenna's Ipswich future has become the subject of intense speculation

Brentford have shortlisted Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as a potential replacement for Thomas Frank amid speculation over his future.

According to Football Insider, the Bees are eyeing a move for the Northern Irishman in the event that a new head coach is needed.

It has been claimed by Sky Sports that the London outfit are willing to listen to offers for the Dane amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur after Ange Postecoglou’s exit.

McKenna has been with the Tractor Boys since December 2021, and has overseen two promotions, as well as relegation from the Premier League, in that time.

Here we look at three reasons why Ipswich should be worried about the latest developments involving Brentford and Frank…

Brentford are an attractive proposition

Brentford have become a model club in the last several years under the ownership of Matthew Benham.

Frank has been important to establishing the Bees as a Premier League club, but their data-led approach to recruitment both on and off the pitch has been just as integral.

Someone like McKenna stepping into the role as the next manager will know that he will be supported by the owners in building a team capable of competing in the top flight.

Brentford finished 10th in the table last season, their second best result since gaining Championship promotion in 2021.

The top flight club have also shown a willingness to spend in the transfer market, indicating their ambitions, bringing in the likes of Igor Thiago, Nathan Collins and Fabio Carvalho for big money.

With Ipswich now back in the Championship, this is an obvious step up that could lure McKenna away from Portman Road.

McKenna’s importance to Ipswich’s success

Ipswich returned to the Premier League in 2024 after over 20 years outside of the top flight.

Nobody would have predicted they’d get so far so quickly when McKenna joined the club in December 2021.

Back-to-back promotions saw them finish second in League One and then the Championship, with the 39-year-old proving absolutely crucial.

His relationship with CEO Mark Ashton has been strong, and he has helped develop several players into Premier League quality stars, including Conor Chaplin and Leif Davis.

If he goes, then it would be a huge blow to the club’s stability, and there are no guarantees that another coach could come in and continue his work to the same level.

Lack of strong McKenna replacements

The lack of strong alternatives is another reason why Ipswich should be concerned.

There are a lot of Championship clubs currently seeking new managers, with the likes of Norwich City and Southampton already completing the work of appointing new head coaches.

The likes of Liam Manning, Russell Martin and Will Still have all been taken off the market, and all three could’ve been viable replacements for McKenna.

While there are Championship calibre coaches currently on the market, including Rob Edwards and McKenna’s former coaching partner at Manchester United Michael Carrick, there are doubts that they could continue his work to the same level.

With Ipswich eyeing promotion back to the Premier League in this upcoming season, it’s not guaranteed either of these names would be good enough to achieve that goal.