West Ham’s just-departed coach a contender replace Kieran McKenna at Ipswich
West Ham’s just-departed coach John Heitinga is a leading contender for the Ipswich Town manager’s job, sources have told Football Insider.
It is expected that Kieran McKenna will quit the Premier League new boys amid huge interest from Man United, Chelsea and Brighton.
Heitinga is keen to take up a management role after leaving West Ham at the end of the season following the departure of David Moyes and the appointment of Julen Lopetegui.
The former Netherlands international defender is highly regarded in coaching circles, having worked his way up from the Ajax academy to the top job in their first team.
In January 2023, Heitinga stepped into the role of interim Ajax head coach following the departure of Alfred Schreuder and helped turn around the club’s season – winning eleven of their final 16 matches.
Ipswich Town eye move for Heitinga with McKenna expected to quit
The 40-year-old, who holds the UEFA Pro Licence coaching badge, joined West Ham last summer to work under his former Everton manager Moyes and gain some experience of coaching in the Premier League.
Heitinga’s Premier League experience and his progressive style of management makes him an attractive option for Ipswich as they look at potential replacements for McKenna ahead of life back in the top-flight.
The Tractor Boys finished runners-up in the Championship this season to secure stunning back-to-back promotions – meaning they will play Premier League football for the first time since relegation 22 years ago.
McKenna masterminded both of those successes and has won 76 of his 131 matches in the hot seat at Portman Road.
In other news, Ipswich race Celtic to sign Scottish sensation.
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