Surprise name emerges as candidate for Chelsea job

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has reportedly emerged as a leading contender to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, according to The Guardian. McKenna, who has garnered attention for leading Ipswich to a remarkable promotion to the Premier League, is now a top candidate for the Chelsea job.

“McKenna, who inspired Ipswich’s astonishing promotion to the Premier League, has emerged as one of the leading contenders,” the report stated.

The 38-year-old’s impressive achievements have also caught the eye of Brighton, who are considering him as a replacement for Roberto De Zerbi. However, Chelsea’s interest in McKenna has reportedly slowed Brighton’s efforts to secure a deal with him.

McKenna’s coaching career includes a notable stint at Manchester United, where he served as one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaches before taking over at Ipswich in December 2021. Under his leadership, Ipswich achieved back-to-back promotions from League One to the Championship and then to the Premier League.

McKenna’s exceptional performance was recognized on Tuesday night when he was named the League Managers Association’s manager of the year, beating high-profile managers like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.

In his acceptance speech, McKenna expressed his pride and excitement:

“This award is one of the most humbling and proudest moments of my life. It’s the best thing in the world and I’ve had good experience as a first-team coach, but to be a manager in the Premier League and go up against great managers is going to be a great challenge and something I can’t wait for.”