Ipswich is now considering a move for an “exceptional” manager with European experience, according to a journalist.

Ipswich Town have started their search for a new head coach following the unexpected resignation of Kieran McKenna. The club is reportedly considering several candidates, including a highly regarded manager with experience in European football as they prepare for life after the man who guided them back to the Premier League.

McKenna’s departure has come as a surprise to many supporters, particularly given the excitement surrounding Ipswich’s return to England’s top flight. However, the Northern Irish coach has decided that now is the right moment to step away from the role after five successful years at Portman Road.

McKenna Explains Why He Chose to Leave

Following the announcement of his resignation, McKenna released a heartfelt statement explaining the reasons behind his decision. He acknowledged the strong bond he had built with the club, its players, staff, and supporters, admitting that there would never be an ideal time to leave.

The former Ipswich boss reflected on the incredible achievements made during his tenure, highlighting the club’s rise from League One to the Premier League. He noted that securing a second promotion and ending the most recent campaign on a memorable note gave him confidence that this was the appropriate moment to move on.

McKenna also revealed that personal and family considerations played a major role in his decision. After dedicating so much time and energy to the club over the previous five seasons, he expressed a desire to take a break from football management and spend more time with his family, who have supported him throughout his career.

While many fans will be disappointed to see him leave, there is widespread appreciation for everything he achieved during his time in charge.

A Remarkable Legacy at Portman Road

McKenna leaves Ipswich having transformed the club’s fortunes. When he arrived, the Tractor Boys were competing in League One and facing uncertainty about their future direction. Under his leadership, the team steadily improved, developing a clear identity and playing style.

The manager successfully guided Ipswich to promotion from League One before helping them achieve another remarkable rise into the Premier League. His ability to improve players, build a cohesive squad, and maintain consistency over several seasons earned him widespread praise.

As a result, McKenna departs as one of the most influential managers in the club’s modern history. His achievements have set a high standard for whoever takes over next, making the task of finding a successor particularly important.

Ipswich Considering Multiple Candidates

Attention has now turned toward identifying the right replacement. Club chairman Mark Ashton and the Ipswich hierarchy are assessing a range of options as they seek a manager capable of leading the team in the Premier League.

One of the first names linked with the vacancy was Gary O’Neil, who is currently managing Strasbourg. O’Neil has experience in English football and has developed a reputation as a capable coach during his managerial career.

However, he is not the only candidate under consideration. Reports suggest that Ipswich are also evaluating other managers with strong coaching credentials and experience at a high level.

Liam Rosenior Emerges as a Serious Contender

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liam Rosenior is another coach admired by the Ipswich leadership. The former defender is believed to be highly regarded within the club’s decision-making structure and could become a leading candidate for the position.

Rosenior is currently available after leaving Chelsea earlier this year. His spell at Stamford Bridge was relatively short-lived, ending after just 23 matches in charge.

Although he arrived with high expectations, results ultimately failed to meet the club’s ambitions. A particularly difficult period saw Chelsea lose five consecutive Premier League matches while failing to score a single goal. Those disappointing performances contributed significantly to the decision to dismiss him in April.

Difficult Spell at Chelsea

Rosenior’s time at Chelsea proved challenging from the outset. Managing one of the biggest clubs in England inevitably brought intense pressure, and the team struggled to produce consistent performances.

The club’s difficulties extended into European competition as well. Chelsea were eliminated from the Champions League in the Round of 16, suffering a heavy aggregate defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. The French side eventually went on to win the competition, but Chelsea’s 8-2 aggregate loss highlighted the gap between the teams.

Despite the disappointing outcome, many observers believe the Chelsea experience should not define Rosenior’s overall managerial abilities. His previous work elsewhere suggests he possesses qualities that could make him successful in the right environment.

Strong Record at Strasbourg

Before and beyond his Chelsea tenure, Rosenior demonstrated impressive coaching credentials. During his time at Strasbourg, he helped the French club achieve qualification for the Europa Conference League.

His work in France attracted considerable praise, with many analysts highlighting the team’s tactical organization and player development under his leadership. Strasbourg consistently showed improvement and competitiveness, helping Rosenior establish a strong reputation across European football.

The 41-year-old coach generally favors a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that emphasizes structure while allowing attacking players freedom to create opportunities. His tactical approach has often been praised for balancing defensive stability with offensive ambition.

Reviewing Rosenior’s Managerial Statistics

Looking at Rosenior’s record provides a clearer picture of his capabilities as a manager.

During his 23 matches at Chelsea, he averaged 1.52 points per game. While not disastrous, those figures were not enough to satisfy the club’s expectations.

At Strasbourg, however, his performance was considerably stronger. Across 63 matches, he achieved an average of 1.75 points per game, underlining his effectiveness in a less pressured environment.

His previous spell at Hull City also produced respectable results, with an average of 1.40 points per game from 78 matches. Earlier in his managerial career, he enjoyed a particularly impressive record at Derby County, collecting 1.92 points per game over 12 matches.

These statistics suggest that Rosenior has demonstrated the ability to succeed in a variety of circumstances, even if his time at Chelsea proved disappointing.

Expert Praise for Rosenior’s Coaching Ability

Football journalist and European football specialist Andy Brassell has been among those to praise Rosenior’s work. According to Brassell, the former Strasbourg manager has shown that he is much more than simply an articulate and intelligent figure in interviews.

Brassell described Rosenior as an exceptional coach with a strong ability to develop players. He pointed to the progress of Diego Moreira as a notable example, arguing that the player improved significantly under Rosenior’s guidance.

Such endorsements reinforce the view that Rosenior possesses genuine coaching talent and could be an attractive option for clubs seeking a manager capable of nurturing players while implementing a clear tactical vision.

Potential Risks for Ipswich

Despite the positive aspects of Rosenior’s profile, appointing him would not be without risk. The biggest concern is his limited success in the Premier League environment.

While he has shown promise in other leagues and competitions, his most recent experience in England’s top division ended in disappointment. Ipswich would need to determine whether those struggles were the result of circumstances at Chelsea or evidence that he is not yet ready for the challenges of Premier League management.

Given the importance of their upcoming campaign, Ipswich must carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of every candidate. Rosenior’s coaching reputation and European experience make him an intriguing option, but questions remain about whether he is the ideal successor to McKenna.

For now, the search continues as Ipswich look to appoint the manager who can build upon the remarkable foundation left behind by one of the club’s most successful modern coaches.