“Rangers Make Bold Move for Kieran McKenna — Ipswich Fans Won’t Believe This!”

Rangers Open Talks with Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna in Search for Russell Martin Successor

Rangers have reportedly held discussions with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as they continue their hunt for a replacement for Russell Martin in the Ibrox dugout.

Since taking charge at Ipswich in December 2021, McKenna has overseen a remarkable rise for the Tractor Boys. His success has quickly made the Northern Irishman one of the most admired managers in the Championship, frequently linked with moves away from Portman Road.

The former Manchester United assistant coach was recently on West Ham’s radar before the Premier League club appointed Nuno Espírito Santo instead, putting any immediate move on hold.

Now, however, McKenna is back in the frame for a high-profile job — this time north of the border. According to TEAMtalk, Rangers have placed the 39-year-old on their shortlist following the sacking of Martin after a disappointing start to the season.

With the pressure mounting to appoint a new head coach, Rangers are eager to bring in a figure capable of sparking a turnaround and leading a new chapter at Ibrox — and McKenna fits that profile.

Alongside McKenna, other candidates reportedly under consideration include Danny Röhl and former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, leading to mixed opinions among fans about who should take the reins.

Rangers’ season so far has been turbulent. Despite ambitions of reclaiming the league title, the Gers now trail leaders Hearts by 11 points — a gap that has heightened the urgency of their managerial search.

For Rangers supporters, links to McKenna will come as an exciting prospect given his achievements with Ipswich, notably guiding them back to the Premier League. However, Ipswich fans will be desperate to see their trusted manager stay put as the club pushes for a return to the top flight after last season’s relegation.

A move to Glasgow could be tempting for McKenna, especially following the departure of several key Ipswich players over the summer. The chance to test himself in European competition with Rangers may also prove persuasive.

Currently, Ipswich sit six points adrift of Championship leaders Coventry City after a slow start. McKenna now faces a key career decision — whether to continue building on his progress at Portman Road, where he’s been for nearly four years, or to embrace a new challenge in Scotland.

Ipswich Could Struggle to Replace McKenna if Rangers Move Materialises

After finishing 19th in the Premier League last season and collecting just 22 points, Ipswich’s relegation was a tough blow. Yet their recent form — including crucial wins over Sheffield United, Portsmouth, and a 3-1 triumph in the East Anglian derby against Norwich City — shows renewed momentum.

A departure for McKenna would undoubtedly dampen spirits at Portman Road. Still, Ipswich fans may take some comfort in the fact that their manager has been linked with other jobs before — evidence of the esteem in which he is held.

Having attracted attention from both West Ham and now Rangers within a short span, McKenna’s growing reputation suggests that bigger opportunities could soon come calling.

While his time in Suffolk has already been outstanding, Ipswich supporters will be hoping this story is far from over — and that McKenna remains to finish what he started in their latest promotion push.