Crystal Palace are allegedly interested in Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna to replace Roy Hodgson this summer. According to journalist Alan Nixon, Crystal Palace are considering hiring Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna to replace Roy Hodgson this summer.
Hodgson came to Selhurst Park for a second stint in March, and after keeping the Eagles in the Premier League, he agreed to stay for another season, although the 76-year-old is largely expected to leave at the conclusion of the season.
Nixon adds that the Palace is “already working on a plan for when the veteran boss leaves for the last time,” and McKenna is on that list.
McKenna is not the only name on Palace’s radar, with the Eagles said to be weighing up a move for Lille manager Paulo Fonseca.
Fonseca, who has previously managed the likes of Roma, Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk, is reportedly keen to manage in the Premier League, and he is said to have been under consideration by Palace two years ago before the appointment of Patrick Vieira.
Why do Crystal Palace want Kieran McKenna?
It is easy to see why McKenna is attracting attention from Palace after the outstanding job he has done at Portman Road.
McKenna took charge of Ipswich in December 2021 after a spell as a coach at Manchester United.
The 37-year-old led the Tractor Boys to promotion from League One in his first full season at the club last term, finishing as runners-up behind Plymouth Argyle with 98 points.
McKenna has implemented an attractive, attacking brand of football at Portman Road, underlined by the fact his side scored a remarkable 101 league goals last season, but their success has been built on an incredibly solid and resilient defence.
The Northern Irishman has also instilled a winning mentality in his squad, and Ipswich went 19 games unbeaten at the end of last season to secure promotion.
The Tractor Boys have adapted seamlessly to life back in the Championship, and they currently sit second in the table having picked up 22 points from their first nine league games.
Ipswich’s form is even more impressive considering the fact that McKenna has largely kept faith with the same players that won promotion last season, with a few signings this summer to add depth and quality to the squad, reinforcing his excellent coaching ability.
The Tractor Boys look to be serious contenders for back-to-back promotions, with McKenna further cementing his reputation as one of the brightest young managers in the EFL.
Would Kieran McKenna switch from Ipswich Town to Crystal Palace?
Palace may have a difficult time convincing McKenna to leave Portman Road.
McKenna signed a new four-year deal with Ipswich this summer, and with the club on the rise, it would be difficult for him to go.
There is a realistic chance that the Tractor Boys will be in the Premier League alongside the Eagles next season, and given their vast financial resources, the club would likely be competitive in the top flight, so it could be argued that a move to Selhurst Park would not be a progressive move for McKenna.
McKenna has stated his goal to one day manage at the top level, but he hopes it will be with.
his current team “I want to get back to that level – back to the Premier League and manage in the Champions League,” McKenna said last month to The Telegraph.
“The club’s ambition is to return to the Premier League as well, so let’s hope those two paths cross at the same time.”
“However, I don’t plan too far ahead.” As manager, it is my job to devote all of my time and efforts to assisting the club. From there, the football will take care of itself and take you wherever it may.”
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