The Unstoppable Ascendancy of Kieran McKenna: Propelling Ipswich Town to Unprecedented Heights

It has been 11 years since a side last won back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

But even then, it didn't start quite like it has this season for Ipswich Town.

Southampton achieved this feat between 2010 and 2012, starting their campaign with 23 points from their first 11 games to reach the top flight. Ipswich, on the other hand, have earned an impressive 28 points out of a possible 33. This remarkable start has broken records and is particularly notable given the increasing gap between different tiers in football.

McKenna, the guiding force behind the rise, remains grounded.

"We don't put excessive emphasis on setting specific point goals or targets and such, so it's difficult to say whether or not it surpassed expectations," McKenna shared with We after being named Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for September.

"Undoubtedly, the results have been outstanding, making it one of the most extraordinary beginnings for a team that has just stepped up to a higher league. However, what truly gratifies me is the exceptional level of performance displayed.

Rotherham United

Ipswich Town

Friday 20th October 7:30pm

Kick off 8:00pm

Having a successful season behind us, we were excited about moving up a division. However, the big question was how well the players would adjust, how the team would adapt, and if the strategies and principles we implemented would seamlessly transfer to the higher level.

We had positive emotions and a highly successful pre-season, although uncertainty lingered. The way we seamlessly adapted, made a significant impression, triumphed in various games using diverse strategies, and consistently displayed the desired attributes as a team has been immensely gratifying.

Undoubtedly, the ability to secure numerous victories and accumulate substantial points at such an early stage in the season, especially for a team recently promoted, is truly phenomenal. This not only fills us with great optimism for what lies ahead but also gives us countless reasons to eagerly anticipate the future.

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Although Ipswich is not considered a small team, they are often referred to as a sleeping giant. However, their success at this level should not be assumed or overlooked. This club had spent three years in League One without coming close to the play-offs until McKenna led them back up in their fourth year.

Before that, there were several years marked by a lack of progress. They endured seventeen consecutive seasons in the second division, and only once in the past 14 years did they manage to secure a position in the top six.

Even for the most prestigious clubs rising from League One, the primary goal is usually consolidation. It involves retaining a strong defensive strategy and minimizing losses. However, McKenna's approach differs significantly from this.

Ipswich have made a formidable impact in the Championship this season, surpassing even leaders Leicester City in terms of goal-scoring prowess. This Friday night, their live match against Rotherham on We will showcase their attacking prowess once again.

"That's something we take great pride in," McKenna states. "Upon my arrival, our goal was to construct a highly dynamic and assertive team that would resonate with the supporters, while also creating a playing style that the players would relish being a part of and one that would be captivating to watch.

"We have relentlessly dedicated ourselves to this objective over a significant period, employing various methodologies. The incredible number of goals we scored last year was a testament to our hard work. We meticulously focused on cultivating threats in every position on the field, ensuring goals were achieved through various means."

We are a team that enjoys possessing the ball and initiating attacks from the defense. However, we also aim to pose a threat to our opponents by utilizing crosses, central combinations, smooth transitions, and set-plays. These aspects are constantly emphasized in our training sessions.

The majority of our team members have been with us for a significant period, and we are delighted to see our offensive capabilities progressing. Nevertheless, we understand the importance of continually evolving and cannot afford to become complacent.

In this highly competitive division, there is an abundance of talented teams, coaches, and managers. It is inevitable that opposing teams will attempt to hinder our progress, neutralize our attacking prowess, and find ways to thwart our efforts. Nevertheless, our primary objective is to consistently enhance the team and cultivate a multifaceted threat. The excitement level has been off the charts on several occasions, with a total of 38 goals scored between both teams in 11 games. Victories have been achieved with impressive 4-2 margins, while losses have transpired with thrilling 4-3 scores. Even in times of defeat, the action remains captivating.

Similarly, the philosophy of the current leader of McKenna's former club, Tottenham, is not much different. McKenna started his playing career at Spurs but unfortunately, his ambitions were cut short by injuries before they could truly take off.

With Spurs currently leading the Premier League, there is also a keen interest in 'Angeball'.

According to McKenna, football is an incredible game due to its numerous paths to victory and success. He believes that fans enjoy witnessing their team's courage, optimism, and ability to create numerous scoring opportunities, with Tottenham serving as a prime example. Speaking of Tottenham, McKenna acknowledges their impressive start to the season and mentions that he still has many friends within the team.

The level of support for their start, as well as our club's, is evident. Among the prominent teams in English football, the recent winners of the Championship, such as Burnley, Fulham, and Leeds, have achieved success through an aggressive and courageous style of play. This is the kind of approach that I personally find enjoyable, and it is also the preferred method for our players, as it allows them to display their best performances.

We are determined to continue employing this strategy, as it brings us immense satisfaction. Although it poses a significant challenge and requires substantial effort, we remain committed to showcasing this brand of football on the field, for the enjoyment of our supporters and the continued growth of our players.

Despite his youth, McKenna possesses the wisdom of a seasoned professional. At the age of only 37, he already has a wealth of coaching experience under his belt. Prior to his current position at Ipswich, he honed his skills by working with and nurturing young talent at both Spurs and Manchester United.

I am still passionate about it, even in my current senior management role. At Portman Road, I have a group of young individuals who are thriving and growing under my guidance.

"As a manager, this is something that brings me immense pride," he expresses. "My coaching journey began with a focus on developing football, primarily to enhance players' skills. Today, it remains one of the major aspects of my job and also one of the most fulfilling."

All the staff members here at the club feel the same way. We take immense pride in seeing our players make progress in their careers, and we have experienced a lot of that recently. Many of our squad members have been with us since our time in League One, and it is truly gratifying to witness them excel in the Championship.

This progress is also evident in the international recognition they are receiving. We have gone from having no senior internationals to having eight players in the squad this week, with many representing their respective national teams. This achievement is something we take pride in, and it is also a source of pride for the players themselves. These are special moments for them and their families.

Naturally, there are challenges involved. While we would prefer to have the entire squad present for the preparation of the Rotherham match, the individual progress and recognition of our players is always a priority and gratifying aspect of our job.

Despite McKenna's limited time to work with the majority of his team before the Rotherham game, their exceptional performance throughout the season instills confidence, leaving little concern for their ability to succeed.

It is going to take a lot to stop Ipswich this season.