“He’s a big rival now as the Norwich manager”- Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna delivered a unbelievable verdict for his Norwich City counterpart Liam Manning ahead of Sunday’s East Anglian derby.

Ipswich Boss McKenna Praises Norwich Counterpart Manning Ahead of Derby Clash

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has expressed his admiration for Norwich City head coach Liam Manning ahead of Sunday’s East Anglian derby.

Manning, a Norwich native, took the reins at Carrow Road this summer following a stint with Bristol City. Both McKenna and Manning, aged 39, share similar paths in management, having moved into coaching early after modest playing careers.

McKenna’s playing days were cut short by hip injuries during his time at Tottenham, while Manning, a former Ipswich academy player, didn’t make the first team and went on to play non-league football before returning to the club as a youth coach.

His coaching journey took him from Ipswich’s U16s to West Ham’s academy, then to New York City FC as director of coaching, before landing his first managerial role at Belgian club Lommel.

Manning later managed MK Dons, then Oxford United, and joined Bristol City in 2023, prior to being appointed by Norwich.

McKenna reflected on their shared background:
“I’ve got a lot of respect and time for Liam. It’s probably easier in a rivalry like this if you don’t like the opposing manager, but that’s not the case here.

He’s worked incredibly hard and has done well at every club he’s been with. He has a strong team around him and has come through some very tough personal challenges. The season he had with Bristol City last year speaks volumes. My respect for him is immense.”

Despite the admiration, McKenna is hoping to come out on top in Sunday’s clash:
“He’s a big rival now as Norwich manager, and we’ll be doing everything we can to get the result. But whatever happens, I have full respect for the man and his journey.”

Several members of Norwich’s current staff also have ties to Ipswich. Assistant manager Chris Hogg played under George Burley and Joe Royle without making a senior appearance but later began his coaching career at Town and served as caretaker assistant under Bryan Klug in 2017/18.

First-team analyst James Krause, part of Ipswich’s 2005 FA Youth Cup-winning side, is another with Blues links. Manning’s wife, Fran, also previously worked at the club.

McKenna was surprised to learn that he and Manning had actually faced off as players in a reserve match between Spurs and Ipswich back in November 2004.

“It’s definitely unusual to have that level of connection with a rival club,” he said. “But it’s part of the story. There are a few familiar faces on both sides now. Still, everyone will be fully focused on doing their best for their club come Sunday.”