Exclusive: How Lee Hendrie feels about Ipswich Town losing Kieran McKenna to Brentford | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie delivered his verdict on the speculation linking Kieran McKenna with a switch to West London

Brentford have identified McKenna as their preferred candidate to succeed Thomas Frank, as the latter edges closer to a move to Tottenham.

Tottenham sacked Postecoglu despite ending their 17-year trophy drought with the Europa League triumph - they finished 17th in the Premier League, with 22 defeats in 38 league games.

With Football Insider reporting that Brentford are readying a move for the Tractor Boys manager as they expect Spurs to trigger Frank's release clause - former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has had his say on the matter.

Lee Hendrie touts Kieran McKenna as ideal Thomas Frank replacement

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie delivered his verdict on the speculation linking McKenna with a switch to West London.

"If Brentford are to come and call, it wouldn’t surprise me because of just the way Thomas Frank works and his style of play. You know his methods, his football, they would try their hardest to get hold of him," Hendrie explained to FLW.

"He’s a fantastic manager, his methods and demeanor to go forward. He’d be a really good fit for Brentford, but you do have to say if he leaves and jumps ship it’d be a massive blow for Ipswich."

Despite acknowledging the potential attraction of a Premier League return for McKenna - Hendrie believes Ipswich would be well-positioned for an immediate Championship promotion push.

He added: "But I do feel that Ipswich would be strong contenders in the Championship this season to get promoted."

Kieran McKenna has the ability to take Ipswich Town straight back up if he stays

Hendrie's assessment of Ipswich as "strong contenders" for second-tier promotion does align with early expectations for the 2025/2026 season.

McKenna's record of back-to-back promotions demonstrates his ability to build successful teams in the EFL, and his current contract means Brentford would need to negotiate a deal to secure his services.

Previously committing his future to the Tractor Boys on multiple occasions, the lure of an immediate top-flight return could prove tempting this time.

But the connection between McKenna and Brentford runs deeper than just tactics - with Brentford's head of coaching, Justin Cochrane, being a close friend of McKenna's from their time working together at both Spurs and Manchester United.

This relationship could be influential in any potential discussions about a move to the Gtech Community Stadium, as the managerial merry-go-round appears set to test McKenna's commitment to Ipswich once again.