The Ipswich Town boss was at one stage favourite to replace Brendan Rodgers as Celtic boss in October
Kieran McKenna has been name on the list of potential candidates to replace Andoni Iraola, as the Bournemouth boss announced he’ll be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The Ipswich gaffer currently has his sights set on winning promotion back to the Premier League with the Tractor Boys after suffering relegation last season. Throughout this campaign, he’s been linked with a plethora of manager vacancies, including Celtic twice, following the departures of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy respectively. With Martin O’Neill set to leave the club at the end of the season, McKenna is still on the Hoops’ radar alongside the likes of Roberto Martinez and Robbie Keane.
Bournemouth have now thrown a spanner in the works regarding the 39-year old, who they’ve identified as a potential candidate to replace Iraola. Despite a very successful three years on the south coast, the Spanish boss will not extend his Cherries contract, which expires in the summer. The news comes out of the Vitality Stadium just three days after they defeated league leaders, Arsenal 2-1 at the Emirates.
McKenna ‘high’ on Bournemouth’s list
Reputable Athletic reporter, David Ornstein said via X: “Andoni Iraola to leave Bournemouth when contract ends this summer. Bournemouth did everything to keep head coach but 43-year old chose to go. Successor process under way - Kieran McKenna high among options.”
It’s no surprise that McKenna is a sought-after customer on the touchline, given his exploits in Suffolk thus far. Within three years of his first top job, he steered Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from EFL League One to the Premier League, as they reached the top flight for the first time in 22 years.
After they struggled to keep up with the big boys and were relegated in the following season, Ipswich are now looking for promotion again, currently second place in the EFL Championship. McKenna has experience working at other Premier League sides, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur as an academy coach.
Iraola on Bournemouth exit
Iraola told the club website: “It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club.”
The Basque-born boss made over 500 appearances in 12 years at Athletic Bilbao, the only side likely to be able to drag him away from the south coast although no official agreements have been put in place. Last season, he steered Bournemouth to ninth place in the top flight - their joint highest ever finish in the Premier League.
Iraola has played a big part in the development of Scotland international and former Celtic man, Ryan Christie. The 31-year old has played a deeper role on the south coast than what he was used to at Parkhead but has effortlessly transitioned under Iraola’s guidance.
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