"Big relief" - Exclusive: Lee Hendrie makes Ipswich Town, Kieran McKenna claim after Brentford developments | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Kieran McKenna no longer being in the frame for the manager's position at Brentford

Lee Hendrie has claimed it is a big relief for Ipswich Town that Kieran McKenna is no longer the front-runner to become the next Brentford manager.

It was reported earlier this week by the Independent that Keith Andrews is in line to take over the Bees following Thomas Frank’s departure.

There were fears that the Ipswich boss could be a contender for the role, with Football Insider claiming at the start of the month that an approach was being readied by the Premier League club.

However, the 39-year-old now looks set to remain at Portman Road for the time being, with the club preparing for life back in the Championship.

Lee Hendrie shares Ipswich relief

Hendrie believes that McKenna deserves credit for the loyalty he’s shown at Ipswich given the offers he’s received during his time as manager.

He claimed that it is a relief for the club that the Brentford option is now seemingly off the table, and their sights will now be set on gaining promotion back to the Premier League.

“There’s no doubt it’s a big relief,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“I think that he’s got to look at what he’s got at the football club, what he’s achieved and I think all managers and head coaches really want to go and try and improve and get to the next pinnacle of their careers, really.

“And credit to McKenna, he’s been linked with many jobs in the past and it has recently been Brentford and I think he kind of sees the dimension of where Ipswich are at, a very proud football club, and they’re on a brilliant journey under him.

“And I do feel that there will be a contingent to bounce back to the league.

“They’ve got a great fan base, and he’s very well liked and respected, so credit to Ipswich if they do keep hold of him because, obviously, that Brentford job was vacant, he was a touted man for that.”

Ipswich finished 19th in the Premier League last season, having earned back-to-back promotions under McKenna to get there from League One.

Keeping McKenna is huge for Ipswich

The Brentford risk that had emerged was a big concern for Ipswich supporters, as it was an enticing opportunity that someone like McKenna might’ve found attractive enough to take.

However, with it now seemingly off the table, the Tractor Boys should be able to hold onto the Northern Irishman going into the new season.

This is a huge boost for their promotion chances, as McKenna has been there and done that before, so will know what it takes to earn a top two spot.

That kind of continuity will also be massive for ensuring there isn’t a big drop-off compared to last season after suffering relegation, especially if they can also keep most of the squad together.