For Ipswich Town CEO Mark Ashton, a year working with manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed a lot of what he probably knew already. 

Ashton ultimately turned to McKenna as he searched for a replacement for Paul Cook, with the Town chief following his gut to appoint a fresh, modern coach having previously given the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Sean Dyche and Aidy Boothroyd their early chances in the game. 

During his first 12 months, McKenna and his staff have helped take Town from 11th in League One to the top of the table, with the Blues firmly in the mix to win automatic promotion to the Championship. 

Asked how he reflects on his decision now, Ashton said: “I think he was the right appointment for the club, given what we wanted to do and how we wanted to go about doing it. 

“We are a year in and Kieran and I are probably still learning more about each other every day.  

“He is an absolute professional who sets the highest of standards. Just because we are in League One, doesn’t mean we don’t set Premier League standards.  

READ MORE: How Mark Ashton landed Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna

“His work ethic is off the scale and so is his staff’s. We have set a hell of a tempo, on and off the pitch. 

“He’s an absolute professional, extremely bright a good communicator and very, very focused on taking this club forward.” 

While results on the pitch are the best example of the progress McKenna and his staff have made, along with the players, Ashton has also been impressed with how the Northern Irishman has embraced the club and its community. 

“I’ve said this before and people don’t always like it, but we’re not a widget factory,” Ashton said. 

“It will always be about the people here, whether that’s the fans, owners, players and staff. 

“Kieran and his staff are a key part of that. I love that they all have bought houses in the area, not just rented, because they are committed to the project.  

“You have to be in the middle of this. 

“Someone has shown me a picture on social media, from Halloween I think, where Kieran has taken the kids out trick or treating. 

“You have to immerse yourself in the local community – it's so important. You have to be able to walk into the local shop and they know who you are and you know them. You have to be in and around it, engaging in the community. 

“This football club demands that level of commitment and so far, so good. We haven’t accomplished anything yet and have a lot to do, but the people we have brought into this football club and the people we have advanced within it, are all lined up and are totally committed.”