“FOR ONE REASON…”- Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna Issued An Eight-word Desponse When Quizzed Of Reports That He Has Been ‘in talks’ With Rangers About Their Managerial Vacancy.

Ipswich Town: Kieran McKenna on reports of Rangers talk

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has broken his silence on growing reports linking him with the Rangers FC managerial vacancy — and his response was as brief as it was definitive.

The highly-rated 38-year-old manager, who has been one of the standout young coaches in English football over the past two seasons, was quizzed during his pre-match press conference ahead of Ipswich’s Championship clash against Middlesbrough on Friday night.

When asked directly about rumours suggesting he had been “in talks” with the Glasgow giants over the vacant Ibrox hot seat, McKenna chuckled before delivering an eight-word reply that left no room for doubt:

“There’s certainly no shred of truth in that.”

The response drew laughter from those present, as the former Manchester United assistant quickly brushed aside the swirling speculation that had begun to pick up pace both in Scotland and south of the border.

Rangers’ Managerial Hunt Intensifies

Rangers’ search for a new manager continues following the sacking of Russell Martin, who was dismissed after just 17 games in charge. The Ibrox board took the decision earlier this week after a disappointing start to the campaign that left fans frustrated and the club languishing below expectations in both league and Europe.

Names have been flying around in recent days, with reports suggesting that the club’s recruitment team and investors have drawn up a shortlist that includes several emerging managers from across the UK and Europe. McKenna’s name, given his impressive rise with Ipswich, had naturally entered the conversation.

However, it now appears that the Northern Irishman is not part of the ongoing discussions — at least according to him.


McKenna’s Rise and Why Rangers Were Linked

Since taking over at Portman Road in December 2021, McKenna has transformed Ipswich into one of the most exciting and tactically intelligent sides in the EFL. His data-driven, high-pressing approach earned the Tractor Boys back-to-back promotions and widespread admiration from pundits and analysts alike.

Under his guidance, Ipswich have displayed a fearless brand of football that has seen them challenge the Championship’s heavyweights despite operating on one of the smaller budgets in the division.

Such achievements inevitably attract attention, and with Rangers seeking a long-term project manager to rebuild their squad and identity, McKenna’s name seemed an obvious fit. But his latest comments firmly pour cold water on those suggestions — for now.


Focus Remains on Ipswich’s Promotion Push

Despite the rumours, McKenna remains fully focused on his immediate task: guiding Ipswich through a tough Championship campaign that has already thrown up its fair share of surprises.

Speaking about the upcoming trip to the Riverside Stadium, the Blues boss redirected the conversation back to football matters, insisting his sole focus is on maintaining Ipswich’s strong start to the season.

“We’ve got a tough game ahead of us. Middlesbrough are a quality side, and our focus has to be on preparing well and performing to our best,” he said.



For Ipswich supporters, McKenna’s clear and confident dismissal of the Rangers speculation will come as welcome news. For Rangers, however, it’s another name seemingly off the table as the club continues to search for a manager capable of reigniting their domestic and European ambitions.

What Next for Rangers?

With McKenna seemingly ruling himself out, attention will now shift to other potential candidates being discussed behind the scenes at Ibrox. Sources in Scotland suggest that Rangers are assessing both experienced managers with European pedigree and up-and-coming tacticians capable of implementing a modern, dynamic style of football.

Whether the new man will come from within the UK or from abroad remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Rangers are determined to get this next appointment right.

For now, Kieran McKenna is happy to leave the noise behind him — and focus on doing what he does best: winning football matches with Ipswich Town.