# Kieran McKenna leaves Ipswich for life balance > Former Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna steps back from football to focus on family after successful promotion to Premier League. - Title: Kieran McKenna leaves Ipswich for life balance · the Guardian - Summary: Former Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna steps back from football to focus on family after successful promotion to Premier League. Kieran McKenna chose to leave… - Keywords: kieran mckenna, ipswich town, premier league, football, manager, family, career break, champions league, spurs, celtic, sports, Kieran - Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/07/i-wanted-to-depart-in-the-best-way-possible-kieran-mckenna-on-ipswich-exit-and-future-plans - Published: 2026-10-07T11:00:08+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: kieran mckenna, ipswich town, premier league, football, manager, family, career break, champions league, spurs, celtic, sports ## Kieran McKenna's final Ipswich moment McKenna felt the right time to leave Ipswich after securing promotion to the Premier League with a full stadium and family present. > Another big victory, a full stadium, in front of my family and the fans. It was an amazing way to go out on a high. ## McKenna's career break decision McKenna elected to take a voluntary career break at 40 after two decades coaching to focus on family and personal development. > I wanted to depart in the best way possible, with the club on a high, back in the Premier League and with a great chance to build for what will hopefully be a really successful period. ## Family and community focus McKenna chose to stay in Ipswich with his family, emphasizing the importance of community connections over professional travel. > Moving down here together, going all in, making ourselves part of this community, it’s been another of the really positive things. ## McKenna's next steps McKenna is exploring opportunities in Spain and will work as a Uefa technical observer for the next season. > This week he is visiting clubs in Spain and, next Wednesday, he will begin work as a technical observer for Uefa. ## Ipswich promotion impact McKenna led Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in five years, facing challenges with team cohesion. > We had the feeling internally that if we didn’t work really hard to pull everyone together then it could have gone in a negative way. ## McKenna's future plans McKenna aims to find a role where he can improve players and win games while maintaining community connections. > I’m always going to want to be somewhere where I can improve players, play attacking football and win games. ## Career break benefits McKenna believes his career break will help him return to football with a better understanding of the game and community. > I wanted to give myself the best possibility to learn before taking on the next challenge. ## Ipswich community response Local community members express deep appreciation for McKenna's impact on their town and football culture. > Everyone is respectful; all we get is people coming up telling the story of how much the last few years have meant for them. ## McKenna's personal growth McKenna has gained life experience and wisdom from his two decades coaching, though he remains grounded. > I probably feel about 20 years older, but my friends at home were telling me in the summer that I haven’t changed since I was 10. ## Future football opportunities McKenna is linked with potential roles at Celtic and Spurs, with a focus on short-term success. > I’m always going to want to be somewhere where I can improve players, play attacking football and win games. ## McKenna's return to football McKenna plans to return to football in the future, aiming to build a memorable legacy with a new club. > They’re cracking on with the season. There’s nothing that can lessen my pride and love for everything we’ve been through. ## Community impact McKenna's time at Ipswich has created lasting connections with the community and fans. > Many of the friendships, particularly with members of the 'really, really special team' that he led to those successive promotions, will be lifelong. ## McKenna's next chapter McKenna will focus on personal development and community before returning to football. > I think that’ll be some way down the line. They’re cracking on with the season. ## Long-term vision McKenna aims to create a positive impact on football through community and player development. > They’re cracking on with the season. There’s nothing that can lessen my pride and love for everything we’ve been through. ## Key takeaway Kieran McKenna chose to leave Ipswich after promotion to Premier League to prioritize family life and personal development.