Exclusive: Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna urged to snub West Ham - it may be "too soon" | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on the speculation surrounding Kieran McKenna and West Ham

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes that Kieran McKenna should avoid the temptation of West Ham by turning them down to remain at Ipswich Town.

It has been reported this week by Football Insider that the Hammers invited the Northern Irishman to the London Stadium for Saturday’s loss to rivals Tottenham Hotspur amid their interest in him possibly replacing Graham Potter.

It has been a disastrous start to life with the Hammers for the ex-Chelsea manager, with pressure mounting on his position at the club.

However, no decision has yet been made by the Premier League side on whether to change manager, with only four games played in the new top flight campaign.

Lee Hendrie urges Kieran McKenna to avoid West Ham job if Graham Potters is sacked

Hendrie has highlighted the number of managers who have expected more from their time at West Ham as a potential warning to McKenna that the grass isn’t always greener.

While he understands the allure of the Premier League, he’s suggested that remaining at Portman Road could prove the smart move for the Ipswich boss.

“Last week people are saying he might be under pressure because of results at Ipswich, now he’s being linked with the West Ham job,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“I think this is a big, big job, I really do.

“I’ve seen managers go in there, Graham Potter’s gone in there thinking that he could do something and turn the club around.

“I think lots of people have thought that.

“Listen, West Ham’s squad of players is very, very good, there’s no doubt there, but they’re under-performing this season.

“I just think this one might be a little too soon for Kieran McKenna, I think the right job’s got to come around and I’m not sure West Ham are the right one.

“I think where he is at Ipswich, I think he’s got lots of potential there in that squad, and I think that he’s got a great opportunity there to maybe take them up to the Premier League this season.

“So, I think this one might be a bit too soon, and I think that West Ham job is a tough one, but it’s Premier League and that’s what entices managers away.”

Kieran McKenna's importance to Ipswich Town cannot be understated

Ipswich have enjoyed a strong rise under McKenna since his appointment in December 2021, having gone from League One to the Premier League themselves.

However, a 19th place finish last season left the team back in the Championship, with the team again aiming for promotion straight back.

The Tractor Boys failed to win any of their first four fixtures, but an emphatic 5-0 victory against Sheffield United after the international break has lifted the side to 14th in the table.

McKenna has done a wonderful job at Ipswich, and it’s no surprise that a club like West Ham are interested in potentially appointing him.

However, he has turned down Premier League jobs before and he is still being linked with moves, so it hasn’t harmed his reputation to remain at Portman Road up to this point.

The West Ham job is also quite tough, as rightly pointed out by Hendrie, and can be really damaging for coaches’ careers if it doesn’t work out.

McKenna might be better off remaining patient and committing his future to Ipswich for the time being, especially as another promotion on his CV would only strengthen his reputation within the game further.