Ipswich have tied Kieran McKenna down to a new contract that reportedly trebles the manager’s wages.
The ex-Manchester United youth coach was on Chelsea and Brighton’s radar after guiding the Tractor Boys back to the Premier League in style.
In just two full seasons at Portman Road, McKenna has taken Ipswich from League One to the top-flight – narrowly missing out to Leicester for the Championship title.
talkSPORT recently reported that the 38-year-old was set to reject interest in order to continue his development at Ipswich.
And the Suffolk outfit have now confirmed McKenna has penned a new deal to stay on until 2028 with talkSPORT understanding his earnings are around the £3million-a-year mark.
Speaking to the club’s website, McKenna said: “I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club.
“We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons and I’m excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading this fantastic club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years.
“Preparation and planning for the challenge ahead has been ongoing since we won promotion at the beginning of May, with plenty of work still to do before the start of the new season at what is such an exciting time for everyone at the club.
“I am so happy to have committed my future to taking the next step with Ipswich Town and am really excited for what’s ahead as we continue this journey together.”
Ipswich CEO added: “We are delighted Kieran has further committed his future to the club.
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“Success brings its own challenges and there has been considerable speculation in recent weeks, but Kieran and I have continued to communicate throughout, often several times a day, as we plan for the Club’s first Premier League season in a generation.
“For Kieran to have signed a new contract is a significant boost, heading into such an important campaign, as we continue the hard work in preparation for the coming season.”
Since taking over Ipswich in December 2021, he has won 75 out of his 131 matches in charge in all competitions – losing on just 20 occasions.
After just six months in the job, he took Ipswich to 11th in League One, before coming second the following campaign.
And in the 2023/24 campaign, Ipswich mustered a whopping 96 points from 46 Championship matches, where they lost just six matches.
They ended up just point behind champions Leicester, who at one stage were 17 points clear at the top.
McKenna will now be preparing for a busy summer at Ipswich, who will be taking part in their first top-flight season since 2002.