Kieran McKenna has enjoyed a positive first year as Ipswich Town manager but hopes the good times still lie ahead.
The Northern Irishman was appointed a year ago tomorrow and, over the last 12 months, has taken the Blues from midtable in League One to sit top of the pile, heading into this weekend’s clash with Wycombe Wanderers.
“It seems like more than a year in some ways but it’s flown by in others,” the former Manchester United coach said.
“It’s been an enjoyable year with some good progress, with hopefully some good moments still to come.
“I have a better understanding of the league now and you know the level and what to expect from the different teams a lot better. I know Wycombe now a lot better than I did last year, Oxford too. You know the managers, the styles, the referees and the challenges of the league.
“There are some extra things around matchdays, like media and other duties, which are a little different but the match is still the match and the key things I want my teams to do and my principles haven’t changed that drastically.
“It’s about understanding the nuances of League One, which I think we’re in a stronger position with now.”
Asked what brings him the most pride from his first year in charge of Town, McKenna replied: “I would say the feeling of togetherness and spirit at the training ground is something that gives me a lot of pride.
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“People only see a Saturday normally and then you live and die, externally, by your results and the fine margins of a football match.
“But I know anyone who comes into the training ground now and witnesses how we work, how we live together and the effort we put in (will like what they see).
“It’s not just the players and the staff, but also within the club the feeling and drive everyone has to push the club forward is really fantastic and something that we have got in a really good direction and need to keep going with.
“The work behind the scenes and the atmosphere here is so important and, if we keep pushing all together, we have a good chance of being successful.
“It’s important everyone feels valued and respected for their contribution, whether that’s the coaching staff, a player or someone working within kit, medical or in the kitchens. They need to feel valued and that they’re working towards the greater good, helping to push this club forward.
“I’d like to think this is a place of work where people come in to shared values and a shared vision of how we want to go about our business and how we want to work.
“It’s a good place to be at the moment and we’ll try to keep pushing with that.”
McKenna’s move from Old Trafford to Portman Road saw him take the first managerial job of his career, with the 36-year-old enjoying the challenges that has brought.
“I’ve found everything really good and I don’t think I’ve struggled with any parts of it in particular,” he said.
“It’s a hard job and being a manager is all-consuming and takes up so much of your time. You have to sacrifice so much and of course the time you miss with friends and family is one of the tougher things you miss when you’re in the deep end of a football club.
“That’s the same whether you’re a manager or when I was coaching. You have to make sacrifices and that hasn’t changed.
“It’s really enjoyable, though, and for everything you miss out on the club gives so much back.
“We’re really well settled, my family and my children, and we’re happy where we’re living.
“We’re enjoying all parts of Suffolk life and it feels like home.”
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