Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year contract with the club. 

The 37-year-old still had two years left to run on the previous deal he signed when taking charge of the Blues in December 2021. 

This extension is reward for the former Manchester United assistant boss after he guided Ipswich to League One promotion in his first full season of senior management. 

It also ends speculation over a potential departure, the highly-rated Northern Irishman having been linked to vacant positions at Celtic and Leicester over recent weeks.  

Town finished second in League One last season with a club-record 98 points, 101 goals scored and goal difference of +66. It ended a four-year stay in the third-tier following previous finishes of 11th, 9th and 11th.

McKenna’s record in charge of Ipswich reads: P79 W44 D24 L12 F150 A54, with the team keeping clean sheets in more than half of those games (41).

"I've loved almost every minute of my time at the club so far and it's a proud and joyous day to be able to extend my stay," said the Blues boss.

"I look forward to leading the club in the challenges ahead. It's clear to see the club is ambitious and moving in a positive direction, but we need to work hard each day to keep going. 

"We have fantastic support, great owners, a really strong board and a staff and group of players who are fighting to keep pushing the club forward. 

"That's great to be a part of and I'm really looking forward to the next steps.” 

Town chief executive Mark Ashton added: "We are delighted that Kieran has signed a new deal.

"Whilst Kieran's new contract rewards him for the progression the team has made under his leadership over the last 18 months - culminating in promotion back to the Championship in April this year - it also paves the way for the future development which can be built on continued stability.

"It is an indicator of the further progression the club wishes to make, with continued investment in infrastructure and key personnel."

East Anglian Daily Times: Kieran McKenna is given the bumps after Ipswich Town secured promotion to the Championship. Kieran McKenna is given the bumps after Ipswich Town secured promotion to the Championship. (Image: Steve Waller)

McKenna replaced Paul Cook in the Portman Road hot-seat and is the 19th permanent manager in the history of Ipswich Town. 

He becomes the first Blues boss to sign a contract extension at the club since Paul Lambert penned a surprise new five-year deal on New Year's Day 2020.

One year and 177 days into the job, he is already the 28th longest serving manager across the 92 Premier League and Football League clubs.

MORE: McKenna wants to get to the very top... but so do Ipswich Town 

A total of 14 different Championship clubs changed their manager at least once during the 2022/23 campaign.

Speaking about McKenna's future last month, Ashton said: "Our ownership group brings stability. We’re well-financed and moving forward in all directions.

"I think Kieran understands the journey he’s on in his career. I think we’re a perfect fit for each other."