Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has once again been recognised for his outstanding work in the EFL Championship, claiming his second Manager of the Month award of the 2025/26 campaign. The accolade further cements McKenna’s growing reputation as one of the most progressive and effective managers in the division, and underlines the remarkable consistency he has delivered since taking charge at Portman Road.
This latest honour adds to an already impressive personal tally. Across the 2023/24 and 2025/26 seasons, McKenna has now won the Championship Manager of the Month award four times. That run of recognition reflects not only short bursts of success, but a sustained ability to keep Ipswich Town competitive, organised and ambitious in one of the toughest leagues in English football.
Ipswich’s recent form under McKenna has been built on clarity of identity and tactical discipline. Town have combined controlled possession with a ruthless edge in key moments, often overwhelming opponents through intelligent pressing and sharp transitions. The Blues’ ability to manage games — whether protecting a narrow lead or forcing a breakthrough late on — has been a defining feature of their strong run during the award-winning period.
What makes McKenna’s achievement particularly notable is the context in which it has been delivered. The Championship remains notoriously unforgiving, with squads of varying budgets, styles and expectations packed tightly together. Maintaining momentum across a demanding fixture schedule is no small feat, yet Ipswich have consistently found ways to pick up points while remaining true to their playing philosophy.
McKenna’s man-management has also played a crucial role. Several players have produced career-best performances under his guidance, benefiting from clearly defined roles and a culture that encourages development and accountability. Younger talents have been trusted, while experienced figures have thrived within a structured system that maximises their strengths.
The Northern Irishman’s long-term impact was already clear during the 2023/24 campaign, when he was named EFL Championship Manager of the Season. That award recognised not just results, but the broader transformation of Ipswich Town into a modern, forward-thinking club. The foundations laid during that season continue to underpin the Blues’ ambitions in 2025/26.
Winning multiple Manager of the Month awards across different seasons is a testament to McKenna’s adaptability. Opponents may have become more familiar with Ipswich’s approach, but Town have continued to evolve, adding subtle tactical tweaks and greater squad depth to stay one step ahead. That evolution has kept Ipswich firmly in the conversation at the upper end of the Championship table.
For supporters, McKenna’s latest recognition is another reason for optimism. Stability in the dugout, a clear footballing vision and repeated league-wide acknowledgement all point towards a club moving in the right direction. While awards alone do not guarantee success, they do reflect the respect McKenna has earned from within the game.
As the 2025/26 season progresses, Ipswich Town will hope this momentum can be sustained. With Kieran McKenna at the helm, and a growing list of individual honours to his name, the Blues appear well placed to continue pushing their ambitions forward in the EFL Championship.
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