Kieran McKenna discusses when and where he

After writing himself into Blues folklore with three promotions in four-and-a-half memorable seasons, including two to the Premier League, the Northern Irishman announced his shock decision to quit back in June.

He walked away from a significant transfer war chest and impressive new training ground in order to 'take a break from management and dedicate some time to my family'.

The 40-year-old, who has remained living in Ipswich, was spotted watching Tottenham v Everton recently and been installed as second favourite to take over at slow-starting Spurs should Roberto de Zerbi get the sack.

Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton has insisted that the club will receive significant compensation should McKenna, who had an £8m release clause and two years left on his contract, take another job over the coming months.

Speaking to The Guardian's Nick Ames, McKenna reveals he has already been approached for jobs but that offers came “too soon, especially given the way I left Ipswich”.

On when he might return to management, he says: "I’m certainly in no rush. I’m enjoying the time I’m having and hopefully an opportunity will come along that’s right. I have an idea what that would feel like but football doesn’t always follow your plan.

"I want to enjoy the time we have now, take this period to reflect and be in the best position I can for the next role.”

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And on what type of club he could join, he adds: "I’m always going to want to be somewhere where I can improve players, play attacking football and win games.

“But beyond that I’m a manager who wants to enjoy having that connection with a club, a community, trying to build something memorable. It was a really special opportunity at Ipswich and you want to do that again in your career. But you have to be ready to come in somewhere and get some short-term success as well.”

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Reflecting on his Ipswich departure, the 40-year-old says: "Standing out there [following the promotion-sealing home win against QPR back in May], I felt it was probably time. Another big victory, a full stadium, in front of my family and the fans. It was an amazing way to go out on a high.

"For people on the outside it’s maybe a bit more difficult [to understand]. But those who know my path and my values, the ones closest to me who know me really well, I think they understood why I wanted to step out and what the benefits were of having a period like this.”

McKenna was offered the Crystal Palace job before Oliver Glasner got it in February 2024 and was also heavily linked to Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton that summer before penning a new contract.

“I had a lot of different opportunities to leave, could have left in many different circumstances really,” he admits. “But I was always aware I wanted to depart in the best way possible, with the club on a high, back in the Premier League and with a great chance to build for what will hopefully be a really successful period.”

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He insists that the decision to walk away "wasn’t about the thought of a worst-case scenario or what could go wrong”, stressing that it was simply time to have a rest and reset.

"I couldn’t have arrived at Ipswich with a better background as a coach but, on the other hand, if you’d given me a list of the things I’d have to deal with in the next five years I really wouldn’t have believed it. After going through so many things you’re wiser for the experience,” he says.

"Now is just a different life. You’re not setting the alarm for 5.30am and driving there [to the training ground] in the dark. You’re getting up with the kids and having breakfast with them, and you’re around when they go to bed. Although the geography is the same, the life is different.”