Kieran McKenna was linked with a move to Crystal Palace back in May as Steve Parish considered replacements for Roy Hodgson.
It was the Daily Mail who claimed that the 37-year-old was among the options to take over at Selhurst Park.
Eventually – as we all know – Parish opted to keep Hodgson in charge after a strong end to the 2022/23 campaign.
Now – however – it is starting to look as if Crystal Palace may have missed out on a managerial gem in Kieran McKenna…
What’s the story?
Well, the London-born tactician impressed in charge of Ipswich last season, helping the Tractor Boys earn promotion from League One with a stunning 98-point haul in England’s third tier.
Ipswich scored 101 goals – more than any other side in League One – losing only four games across the entire campaign.
No side in League One had a better defensive record either – Ipswich only conceded 35 goals.
Many wondered if McKenna could maintain his success at Portman Road in the Championship, and he has answered the doubters in resounding fashion.
So far this season, Ipswich have won ten out of 11 games across all competitions, with their only defeat coming in a chaotic 4-3 loss to Leeds.
Last time out, McKenna even managed to steer his side into the Carabao Cup Fourth Round with a 3-2 win over Wolves, despite being 2-0 down to the Premier League outfit.
In Championship action, no side have scored more than Ipswich’s tally of 17 goals, which is highly impressive for a newly promoted side.
Crystal Palace may have already missed the chance to hire Kieran McKenna
As things stand, Ipswich look likely to achieve promotion to the Premier League under McKenna, so Parish might have already missed his opportunity to lure him to Selhurst Park.
Even if the Tractor Boys do not secure promotion, far more clubs are aware of McKenna’s ability as a coach, meaning there is now likely to be increased competition for his signature next summer.
Hopefully, Parish is already trying to convince Jose Mourinho’s old Assistant Manager to replace Hodgson next summer, as he looks set to become the next managerial diamond to emerge from the Football League.
