Kieran McKenna in running to replace Premier League manager as odds slashed
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has been named among the leading contenders, should a Premier League job become available.
West Ham have been linked with McKenna, but Nuno Espirito Santo appears to have turned his team’s form around in recent weeks.
The Hammers have won their last three games across all competitions, and are now just five points from safety in the Premier League.
McKenna has been constantly linked with an exit from Ipswich this season, but his side have kept focused on their goal of promotion back to the top flight.
Brentford attempted to hire McKenna after his side were relegated last season, but the 39-year-old has remained committed to the Tractor Boys.
Kieran McKenna in Brighton running
Results have been inconsistent for Brighton this season, with fans often left frustrated in recent weeks, especially.
The Seagulls were beaten by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, marking a third consecutive Premier League game without victory.
Consistency has been generally hard to find since the appointment of Fabian Hurzeler in 2024.
The German’s team enjoy some superb results, and ultimately finished in a strong eighth in the Premier League last season, but there was plenty of frustration in there too.
And this season, those qualms have been amplified with frequent draws and high-scoring defeats.
Brighton are not expected to make a change in the dugout anytime soon, with the acknowledgement that 32-year-old Hurzeler is still new to the Premier League.
But should the poor results continue for much longer, the German may find himself under stronger pressure.
Kjetil Knutsen has been named as the favourite to be Brighton’s next manager at 3/1, with McKenna at 5/1 and Bo Svensson past that at 6/1.
McKenna’s comments prove long-term ambition
McKenna will be desperate to prove that he can manage successfully in the Premier League over the next few years.
Last season, Ipswich appeared to arrive in the top flight without a squad capable of staying up, and, despite some big results, they were thumped back down.
| Ipswich Town | Premier League 2024-25 |
| Wins | 4 |
| Draws | 10 |
| Losses | 24 |
| Scored | 36 |
| Conceded | 82 |
Speaking in 2024 before his side came up, McKenna said: “I think ultimately in my career that [Premier League] is where I want to work and want to make an impact but I think there’s other coaches in the chain who can do that.
“I am enjoying my job here, it’s a fantastic football club and a great group to work with and that’s where the focus is at the moment and enjoying the really good season we are having,” he added.
Should the Tractor Boys maintain their place near the top of the Championship table, that chance could well come again next season.