Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town has been identified as a possibility for a managerial position abroad.
Kieran McKenna is rumoured to be leaving Ipswich Town.
Kieran McKenna, manager of Ipswich Town, is on the Football Association of Ireland’s shortlist of potential future managers for the men’s national side.
Stephen Kenny, the current manager, has struggled to obtain great outcomes during his tenure.
While the FAI is considering Lee Carsley and Rafa Benitez as possible replacements, McKenna is unlikely to quit Ipswich due to the club’s promotion hopes and solid start to the season.
The Football Association of Ireland is looking for a new manager for the men’s national team, and Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is one of the names on the shortlist, according to the Independent.
During the September break, Ireland suffered two further defeats in a challenging Euro 2024 qualifying campaign that pitted them against France, the Netherlands, and Greece.
After a 2-0 loss in France and a 2-1 loss at home to the Dutch, current manager Stephen Kenny’s future has been called into question.
Kenny has held the role since 2020, but has been unable to produce positive results during his tenure.
Who is the FAI considering as potential next managers?
The FAI has identified England U21 boss Lee Carsley as a key target, but the English FA is anticipated to oppose any attempts for the former Ireland international.
Carsley has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Gareth Southgate due to his positive work at youth level.
The 49-year-old is now on a year-to-year rolling contract with the FA, so he might be a viable target for the FAI, however it remains to be seen whether he would accept the position given the links to the England manager role.
Rafa Benitez, currently in charge of Celta Vigo in La Liga, has also been mentioned as a possible replacement for Kenny.
However, any approach for the veteran coach is expected to be exceedingly pricey, which may deter the FAI.
McKenna is also on the FAI’s shortlist of potential candidates as they plan the future 
Ipswich Town have made a strong start to the new season, and the club hopes to challenge for another promotion as they look to return to the Premier League.
This aim for promotion is considered as a stumbling block in the FAI’s pursuit of the Ipswich manager.
The Tractor Boys now sit second in the Championship table, having gained 12 points out of a possible 15.
McKenna’s team returns to play this weekend, hosting Sheffield Wednesday on September 16th.
Would Kieran McKenna be a decent choice as Ireland’s next manager?
At this point, McKenna would be a great replacement for Kenny.
The Irish team has developed under the former Derry City manager, with Kenny bringing in a more advanced style of play as well as a younger roster, but he has been unable to gain job security.
McKenna’s attacking style of game would be welcomed by Irish football fans, and he has the capacity to provide the results required to qualify for big tournaments.
He could work with promising talents like Evan Ferguson, Jason Knight, and Nathan Collins, but it’s unlikely he’d leave Ipswich to take on the post.
