‘No disrespect’ – Carlton Palmer reacts to Crystal Palace monitoring Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna

Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town have taken the title by storm this season

Kieran McKenna’s successful tenure at Ipswich Town has put him on Crystal Palace’s radar as a potential successor to Roy Hodgson.
McKenna recently signed a new long-term contract with Ipswich and his club’s strong start to the season makes his departure unlikely in the short term.
To lure McKenna away from Ipswich will require an offer from a top Premier League team.

Kieran McKenna’s time at Ipswich Town has brought him praise from all levels thanks to his huge successes in East Anglia.

The Tractor Boys were promoted last season with 98 points, finishing second behind third-placed Plymouth Argyle as they secured a return to the Championship – but that was just the start of an exceptional term for the domain North-Irish.

The club are currently second in the table behind Leicester with 20 points from their opening nine games – a tally that would normally be enough to top the table if not for the Foxes’ form. And, with continued promotion for the Suffolk side, it gives McKenna a platform to impress in the Premier League – although Carlton Palmer believes it will take a staggering offer to lure him away off Portman Road.

What is the latest news regarding Kieran McKenna’s future at Ipswich? Alan Nixon’s report published on Sunday (October 1) showed that Crystal Palace was looking for a long-term successor for Roy Hodgson.

Despite this weekend’s win over Manchester United, Hodgson’s 76-year-old age means the Eagles will need to make long-term plans and highly-rated McKenna will be on their shortlist.

Paulo Fonseca is said to be on Palace’s radar as he was on their list before selecting Patrick Vieira, and Hodgson could stay on until the end of the season.

Palace have been looking at their options this summer if Hodgson leaves, with McKenna one of their preferred options – although he recently signed a new long-term contract at Portman Road.

Their superb start to the Championship season has seen club rivals Leicester claim the title early.

What did Carlton Palmer say about Kieran McKenna’s future at Ipswich?
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said it would take something special to get McKenna away from Ipswich Town at this stage. Palmer began: “It is every manager’s dream, as well as every player’s, to manage and play at the highest level and Kieran McKenna is no exception. Crystal Palace are said to be considering him as a possible replacement for Roy Hodgson.”

“Roy is 76 years old, so how many more seasons does he want to continue leading? Crystal Palace was right to start looking for his replacement, even though Roy is doing very well at Palace with big wins. against Manchester United on the -end weekend.

“There is no doubt that Kieran would be a great fit at Palace but with all due respect, I think Kieran is going straight to the top as a manager.

“As I said before, Kieran is at a club where the owners have the money and support him. He won’t be leaving Ipswich any time soon. They are second in the table and six points ahead of Cardiff, who occupy the final play-off spot.

“Ipswich and Kieran have a very good chance of winning back-to-back and that would be a great achievement. I think Kieran will only want to leave Ipswich if a top 6 Premier League team comes knocking.