Kieran McKenna is said to be open to becoming the next Celtic manager, with the Northern Irishman reportedly in the frame to replace Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers resigned as Celtic boss on Monday evening, with Martin O’Neill returning to the dugout at Parkhead on an interim basis.
McKenna guided Ipswich back to the Premier League in 2024 after impressing in his role of assistant manager at Manchester United. The Tractor Boys produced a number of promising performances in the top flight but were ultimately relegated back to the Championship after one season. And they are currently 12th in the second tier after winning just four of their 11 matches.
According to the BBC, McKenna has emerged as an attractive prospect for Celtic. And sources have indicated to the corporation that he would be open to a move.
But Celtic could be thwarted due to the compensation package they would have to agree with Ipswich in return for McKenna’s services.
The 39-year-old signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the aftermath of his team’s promotion. And The Sun have reported that Celtic would have to pay Ipswich compensation of up to £5million to get their hands on McKenna.
That could be the biggest figure a Scottish club have ever paid to secure a manager.
McKenna reportedly snubbed interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton to stay at Portman Road after Ipswich secured back-to-back promotions a year-and-a-half ago.
And ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, he explained: “It’s part and parcel of success, there’s been interest from other clubs and it’s a short career as a manager. It’s right to consider things but I’m so, so happy with the decision I’ve made.
“I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club. We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons and I’m excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading this fantastic club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years.
“I am so happy to have committed my future to taking the next step with Ipswich Town and I am really excited for what’s ahead as we continue this journey together.”
Celtic’s temporary boss O’Neill will have plenty of work to do to turn the Hoops’ fortunes around in the coming weeks.
The reigning Scottish champions are eight points off leaders Hearts in the league table after losing to the Edinburgh side at the weekend.
And in the aftermath of Rodgers’ departure, the club’s major shareholder Dermot Desmond released an extraordinary statement as he told fans there is a “toxic atmosphere around the club”.