Kieran McKenna leaves Ipswich Town | OneFootball

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has stepped down from his role after almost five seasons at Portman Road.

The Ipswich job was McKenna's first as a first team manager after having previously coached at youth level with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

McKenna proved to be a big success at the club, first getting the team promoted from League One to the Championship and then twice leading them to the Premier League.

"It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club," the 40-year-old said about his decision.

"When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside. I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.  

"To manage this club has been an absolute privilege. Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.   

"After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far."