Kieran McKenna has stepped down as Ipswich Town head coach to take a break from football.
The 40-year-old coach, who had just guided the Tractor Boys back to the Premier League, had been heavily linked with Fulham after Marco Silva’s departure.
Yet McKenna will not take up that job, nor another job, in the near future as he steps away from the spotlight to focus on spending time with his family.
Following confirmation of his departure, Kieran McKenna said: “It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club.
“When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.
“I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.
“To manage this club has been an absolute privilege. Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.
“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far.”
