The managerial carousel in English football is spinning faster than ever this summer—and Ipswich Town might be the next club thrown into chaos. As whispers grow louder about Kieran McKenna’s potential leap to Premier League side Brentford, fans at Portman Road are on red alert.
The chain reaction began when Ange Postecoglou was shown the door at Tottenham. Now, Thomas Frank is strongly linked to the Spurs job, and if that move materializes, Brentford will need a top-tier replacement. Enter McKenna.
The 38-year-old has become one of the brightest coaching minds in English football, guiding Ipswich back to the Championship and nearly securing Premier League promotion. But if he jumps ship for Brentford, Ipswich will be left picking up the pieces at a crucial juncture.
With the club facing a pivotal 2025/26 Championship campaign after relegation, who can step up and keep the promotion dream alive?
🧠 Tactical Genius Wanted: Who Can Steady the Ipswich Ship?
🧨 1. Michael Carrick – The Like-for-Like Successor
Freshly dismissed from Middlesbrough, Michael Carrick has the tactical nous and calm demeanor that mirror McKenna’s approach. Despite failing to clinch a play-off spot last season, Carrick’s stock remains high. He favors the same 4-2-3-1 formation, and his possession-focused game would minimize disruption. If Ipswich want continuity, Carrick could be the perfect plug-and-play option.
💪 2. Sean Dyche – The Championship Warrior
Unemployed since January but always circling jobs like a hawk, Sean Dyche is hungry for a return. “He’s still eyeing that Leicester gig,” a source claims, but with the Foxes dealing with potential points deductions, Ipswich may actually be the safer and more attractive bet. Dyche’s no-nonsense 4-4-2 style is a shift from McKenna’s approach, but it could give Ipswich the grit they’ll need in a ruthless Championship campaign.
🇮🇹 3. Francesco Farioli – The European Wild Card
He just missed out on the Eredivisie title with Ajax, losing by a single point to PSV, but Francesco Farioli has turned heads with his aggressive 4-3-3 system. At just 36, he’s already built a strong reputation across Europe, and England could be his next frontier. Ipswich would need to adapt quickly to his high-octane style, but the risk might come with serious reward.
🏴☠️ 4. Steven Gerrard – The Redemption Arc
He was “all but confirmed” to return to Rangers, but with Russell Martin stealing that gig, Steven Gerrard is reportedly eager to return to English soil. While critics cite his failure at Aston Villa, his Scottish success can’t be ignored. “He wants a new challenge, and Ipswich could be the perfect stage,” insiders say. Gerrard’s preferred 4-2-3-1 setup matches McKenna’s, and he brings leadership and intensity in spades.
🔁 5. Richie Wellens – The Insider’s Choice
Currently thriving at Leyton Orient, Richie Wellens is a name that might not grab headlines—but it could grab results. A former Ipswich player, Wellens knows the club inside out. His managerial rise has been steady and impressive, and his tactical philosophy aligns well with the current squad. Known for excellent man-management, he could lift morale quickly and help the squad bounce back from relegation.
😱 Ipswich on the Brink? McKenna Departure Would Shake the Club to Its Core
Ipswich Town were already tipped as the most likely of the relegated teams to make an instant return to the Premier League, with McKenna viewed as the architect of that ambition. As one neutral fan put it: “McKenna’s leadership is the glue holding everything together.”
Without him, the team’s trajectory could nosedive.
Yes, the squad still has quality—even if Liam Delap won’t be returning—but removing McKenna from the equation could undo everything the club has worked for.
📉 Or… Opportunity in Disguise?
Losing a beloved manager is always a shock. But maybe, just maybe, it opens the door for a bold new era at Ipswich. Whether it’s Carrick bringing tactical clarity, Dyche providing grit, Farioli adding flair, Gerrard chasing redemption, or Wellens offering continuity—there’s no shortage of intriguing options.
But one thing’s for sure: If Ipswich don’t act fast and smart, they could go from promotion favourites to Championship also-rans in the blink of an eye.
Don’t miss out on what could be one of the most dramatic managerial shifts of the summer—Ipswich Town’s next move might define their next decade.
