Mark Ashton says he knew from his first meeting with Kieran McKenna that he had found someone who could ‘bear the weight’ of being Ipswich Town’s manager.
McKenna, a career coach, left his position as Manchester United’s assistant manager in December 2021 to replace Paul Cook in the Portman Road dugout, his first senior management position.
Since then, he has transformed the Blues from a mid-table League One club to a table-topping Championship outfit just three games away from the Premier League, thanks to an incredible league record of P112 W65 D33 L14.
After Kieran was named Championship Manager of the Year, chief executive Mark Ashton told the EADT and Ipswich Star: “I told Kieran tonight that it seems like a long time ago that we first talked about him joining this football club.” He has been incredible from the start.I’m really proud of him.
Kieran’s dedication to his staff and family is typical, but he is the true leader of the football department. He sets the tempo, standards, and drives progress. He is the one who comes in first and leaves last every day.
“Whatever happens at the end of the season, this is a fantastic achievement for him and the football club.” “I’m so happy for him.”
When asked what his first impression of McKenna was in that aforementioned first interview, which took place days before an embarrassing FA Cup exit at League Two club Barrow, Ashton replied: “My instinct was really strong on his values. I’d done my homework on his football background – the technical, tactical aspects – so there was literally no discussion about it because his pedigree was obvious.
“I just wanted to see Kieran McKenna the man. What are his values? What about his work ethic? How did he communicate? Could he lead? Could he carry the weight of Ipswich Town Football Club? Could he bear the weight of two former England managers, 30,000 potential League One fans, and a former players’ association brimming with international players? Every day, I believe he makes this football club proud.
“I’m happy for everyone at this football club who works so hard every day. I’ve told you before that we don’t always get it right. We have a unique approach, are passionate about our work, and take pride in our efforts. We are working to rebuild this football club for the benefit of the local community and its supporters. I think on Saturday, you saw an incredible fanbase.”
Ipswich, a newly promoted club, currently leads the Championship table with less than three weeks remaining in the regular season.
The Blues could drop to fourth place by their next game at 8pm on Saturday, April 27. The fact is, however, that if McKenna’s side wins their next three games – Hull (a), Coventry (a), and Huddersfield (h), they will be guaranteed Premier League status.
Ashton acknowledged the difficulty of controlling his emotions, stating, “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”
“I think what makes it more difficult for me is that I care so deeply. Anyone who sees me or is around me on matchday will know that I am naturally nervous. I’m not worried about Kieran or the team; I’m worried about everyone involved with the football club because we want to make them proud, do this correctly, and do it well.”
The Blues manager stated: “We’ve given ourselves a great opportunity.” And everyone knows Kieran will have that squad and staff ready to compete, and we will push it to the limit.
“I can’t do this alone, given the size, history, and unique fanbase of this football club.”Kieran cannot do it on his own. We must work together to accomplish this task. Fans will play an important role in this, as they have in the previous three games.
“I told you recently that every time we asked this fanbase to step up, they did. Well, we’ll have to work together again because getting across the finish line will require a massive effort. Together, we have a great chance.”
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