Kieran McKenna explains why Ipswich Town’s recruitment has largely focused on the Championship.
Ipswich Town’s summer recruitment has focused heavily on Championship players, a choice that Kieran McKenna believes is strategic and beneficial for the newly promoted side.
With 12 new arrivals, including seven from the Championship, the club has aimed to build a squad capable of making the leap to Premier League success. Players like Omari Hutchinson and Liam Delap, though relatively unproven in the top flight, are expected to rise to the challenge.
McKenna sees the Championship as a rich hunting ground for talent. “There’s a lot of good players in the Championship who are ready for the step up,” he said. “As a newly promoted team, we can’t always compete for established Premier League stars, so we look for players who can grow with us.”
The manager is pleased with the squad’s hunger and spirit, noting that many new signings are eager to prove themselves. This drive is expected to foster a strong team dynamic, even if it means the squad lacks extensive Premier League experience.
Additionally, McKenna has tapped into the market of players with recent Premier League experience, such as Arijanet Muric, Dara O’Shea, and Chiedozie Ogbene. While these players experienced relegation, McKenna views their experience as an asset, providing quality at a more affordable price.
The squad, now at 27 players, meets McKenna’s goal of having two natural players per position. This depth allows for tactical flexibility, adapting to different opponents throughout the season.
“We’ve balanced the squad well, with various profiles to suit different games,” McKenna explained. “The ability to adapt is crucial, and we’ve built the team to exploit our players’ strengths and address their weaknesses.”
Overall, McKenna is confident that Ipswich Town’s carefully crafted squad will be well-prepared for the challenges of the Premier League.