Kieran McKenna, 38, has emerged as a front-runner for Fulham and Brentford managerial posts if either club parts ways with its boss this summer.
Fotnet24.net understands that both Fulham and Brentford are preparing contingency plans should Marco Silva or Thomas Frank depart their respective dugouts at the end of the season. With Ipswich Town’s relegation almost certain, the Northern Irishman has found himself in the spotlight, thanks to a meteoric rise that saw him join the Tractor Boys in December 2021 and guide them to the Premier League in just over two years.
Since taking over at Portman Road, McKenna has masterminded back-to-back promotions: finishing second in League One in 2022–23 and then claiming the runners‑up spot in the Championship to clinch a return to the top flight after a 22‑year absence SoccerPunter.comWikipedia. His tactical acumen earned Ipswich 96 points en route to securing second place in the 2023–24 Championship, underlining his capacity to transform underperforming squads into title challengers.
At Fulham, Silva’s future remains under scrutiny as his side hover above the relegation zone, while Brentford’s stability is being tested amid whispers of Thomas Frank’s release‑clause exit. Fotnet24.net sources reveal that both London clubs have quietly placed McKenna high on their shortlist, drawn to his reputation for developing young talent and implementing a possession‑based, high‑press system that has won plaudits across the division.
Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial vacancy has intensified the ripple effects in West London. Reports suggest that Spurs are weighing up moves for Silva or Frank, a scenario that would leave Fulham and Brentford scrambling for replacements. McKenna’s name has been mentioned in multiple circles as the ideal candidate to step into either role, combining Premier League experience with a modern coaching profile that appeals to both clubs’ ownership groups.
Despite outside interest, Ipswich Town have made it clear they view McKenna as their long‑term cornerstone. The club’s hierarchy is prepared to block any formal approach without issuing a release clause, believing he is the man best equipped to orchestrate an immediate return to the Premier League. His new contract, which reportedly runs until 2028, further cements his commitment to reshape the Suffolk outfit’s fortunes.
On the pitch this season, forward Liam Delap has been McKenna’s standout performer. The 22‑year‑old striker has netted 12 Premier League goals and provided two assists in 31 appearances, offering a glimpse of his potency and potential value in the transfer market StatMuse. Delap’s clinical finishing has masked Ipswich’s wider struggles, but with relegation looming, the club may face tough decisions regarding their most prized asset.
As summer approaches, McKenna faces a pivotal career juncture: remain loyal to Ipswich Town and spearhead a swift promotion campaign, or seize the opportunity to manage in West London, with clubs offering greater resources and Premier League stability. Fotnet24.net will continue to monitor developments as the coaching carousel gathers pace ahead of the 2025–26 season.
