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The Search Is On
The Football Association (FA) is on the hunt for a new England manager to succeed Gareth Southgate, and a surprising name has made the list. Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, known for his impressive managerial feats, is being considered for the prestigious role.
Top Picks for the Job
While Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Lee Carsley are currently leading the race, McKenna’s success has not gone unnoticed. The Northern Irishman has steered Ipswich to consecutive promotions, placing him on the FA’s radar as a potential candidate.
McKenna’s Impressive Credentials
With a history of nurturing young talent as a youth coach at Tottenham and a stint at Manchester United as the Under-18s chief and first-team assistant boss, McKenna has a strong coaching background. His achievements have caught the eye of FA technical director John McDermott, who previously worked with McKenna and admires his work.
International Interest in the Role
The FA is open to the idea of a non-English manager, with figures like Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, and Joachim Low expressing interest in the position. However, the preference seems to lean towards homegrown talent, with the three frontrunners being English.
Interim Plans and Financial Considerations
With England’s next match scheduled for September 7 in the Nations League, the FA may appoint Lee Carsley as the interim manager if a permanent replacement is not found by then. This move could also be financially prudent for the FA, as Carsley and Potter would not require compensation payouts.
McKenna’s Current Commitment
Despite the allure of the national team job, McKenna is reportedly content with his role at Ipswich. The club values his leadership highly, especially after bringing them back to the Premier League for the first time since 2002, and would likely put up a strong fight to retain him.
