So far, the Tractor Boys are in the mix at the top of the standings and appear to be contenders for promotion to the Premier League. After being promoted from League One last year, Kieran McKenna’s squad is in their first season back in the second division.
The Suffolk club had a busy summer of transfer activity in preparation for their return to the second division, and they have not disappointed thus far.
While some predicted them to be competitive from the start, there is still a gap between anticipation and delivering on pre-season hype.
Away victories against Sunderland and Southampton have only bolstered their case for being a top-two contender this season.
What is the latest Ipswich Town news?
This has made them one of the most exciting sides in the entire division.
Here we look at the latest news surrounding McKenna’s side…
Russell Martin praise The win over Southampton during the recent midweek round of fixtures has impressed many on-lookers. That even includes Saints boss Russell Martin, who was very complimentary of the opposition following the 1-0 victory for the Tractor Boys.
The 37-year-old highlighted two key traits from McKenna’s side that he feels his players lack at the moment that will be crucial to any promotion challenge.
“We need to build energy and momentum,” said Martin, via the Daily Echo.
“Ipswich have that, and it’s carrying them through to a really good place, we don’t have that but we will find it.
McKenna responds to Gary Lineker praise Former England striker Gary Lineker pinpointed Kieran McKenna as one of the best up-and-coming managers currently working outside of the Premier League.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast this week, the Match of the Day presenter was quick to mention the Ipswich boss when discussing exciting managers in the Championship. McKenna has accepted the compliments but believes it doesn’t change anything regarding his focus on helping Ipswich improve.
“These things, of course, are nice. It’s better to be spoken about in good terms than in other terms,” said McKenna, via TWTD.
“And as a manager, it can go both ways, and it can change very quickly.
“So, for me, it doesn’t really change the focus. I’ve got a really big job to do here day to day, trying to improve these players and improve this team and keep on performing.
“I haven’t got too much time for my focus to drift anything away from that.”
Transfer market remark
The transfer window closed just a few weeks ago, but McKenna is already planning for January.
Although the winter market is still a few months away, managers across the board will be looking for future recruits. Ipswich will be no exception, with the former Manchester United manager revealing that he intends to be more involved in the international market in the future.
“It’s something that we are having a lot of ongoing discussions about internally,” McKenna told the East Anglian Daily Times.
“Most football clubs would agree that having players from the local area, as we do, is great, as is having a core from your country.”
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