Brentford set to land Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town blow as Spurs hone in on Thomas Frank | OneFootball

Brentford have identified Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna as an ideal replacement for Thomas Frank

Brentford are preparing to make a formal move for Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.

The Bees are expecting Tottenham Hotspur to trigger Thomas Frank’s release clause following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.

As a result, they have already profiled the Ipswich boss as the ideal successor to take over at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Brentford ready to make formal approach for Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna

McKenna has been in charge of the Tractor Boys since December 2021, but his residency at Portman Road may soon be up.

According to a report from Football Insider on Saturday, Brentford have already outlined the 39-year-old as they prepare for Frank’s departure.

It is believed that the Bees have been exploring a move for McKenna behind the scenes and are now prepared to approach the manager formally.

Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League with Ipswich, the Northern Irish coach is rated highly by Brentford’s recruitment team.

Following the Tractor Boys’ promotion to the top-flight in 2024, McKenna penned a four-year deal at Portman Road that would keep him there until the 2027/28 campaign.

Therefore, Brentford will have to agree on a compensation package with Ipswich to secure the manager’s services.

The timing of the deal depends upon when Tottenham move for Frank. The higher-ups in Suffolk will hope this process can be accelerated so they can prepare for their summer, which will now include appointing a new head coach.

Ipswich bracing for bittersweet breakup with Kieran McKenna

McKenna’s departure this summer always seemed a possibility if certain roles elsewhere became available.

His youthful profile and impressive leadership of Ipswich would have made the manager an ideal candidate for a number of clubs.

Ultimately, the 39-year-old will surely be relieved to potentially get another shot at Premier League management, especially after having his hands somewhat tied with the Tractor Boys last term.

However, a huge part of McKenna will still be disappointed not to reclaim Ipswich’s status in the top-flight.

He guided the club from League One to the most competitive division in the world after back-to-back promotions between 2022/23 and 2023/24, and wouldn’t have wanted the partnership to end following a relegation.

Career progression obviously comes first for the Northern Irishman, who will relish the opportunity to get to show his managerial prowess in a more competitive outfit next term.

That said, there is an element of unfinished business surrounding McKenna's relationship with Ipswich.

The Tractor Boys can’t afford to dwell on the situation, however, and need to turn their focus to who will lead the club forward as they aim to achieve promotion from the Championship next season.