Ipswich Town

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Promoted Ipswich fans are currently celebrating for a second time, after manager Kieran McKenna signed a new four-year contract.

Just a week ago, it looked absolutely certain that he would be tempted by the advances of Chelsea, Manchester United or Brighton - or whatever wealthy club was knocking at his door.

Well done to that man for staying true to the Tractor Boys, but for also being sensible knowing the wild uncertainty at these bigger clubs.

Manchester United gave David Moyes less than 10 months and Chelsea gave Graham Potter just over seven months. In fact, Chelsea have gone through a whole gang of gaffers in the past couple of years, but clearly this is part of their cunning plan.

Kieran obviously didn't fancy that sort of plan.

I just hope that if things do go pear-shaped at the start of the new campaign, he isn't summarily dismissed and that big chance he had to progress gone.

He was flavour of the month this summer, but it is amazing how quickly tastes can change with the seasons in football.

Pat Nevin was writing for the BBC Football Extra newsletter

The club summer is off and running, so what's the first thing that needs sorting out at Ipswich Town?

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Ipswich Town have made a new contract offer to goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky.

Hladky made 46 appearances for the Tractor Boys in the Championship last season as Kieran McKenna's side finished second and secured promotion to the Premier League.

The 33-year-old former Czech Republic youth international signed for Ipswich in 2021 from League Two side Salford City and was part of the team that achieved consecutive promotions in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Elsewhere, the club have paid tribute to the departing Kayden Jackson and Dominic Ball.

Jackson made 199 appearances during six seasons at Portman Road, scoring 28 goals, while Ball made 35 appearances across his two seasons.

Manager McKenna said: "Both have made vital contributions on the field and, off the pitch, have played central roles in developing a culture and setting standards which have been so important to the club's progress.

"Their contributions to everything the club has achieved should not be understated."

Addressing fans, Jackson said: "I will always be extremely proud to have played for this brilliant club. The last two seasons in particular have been truly special and being able to play a part in getting this club promoted from League One to the Premier League is something I will remember for the rest of my life."

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On Monday, Ipswich Town announced their retained list with Kayden Jackson and Dominic Ball departing the club.

The duo played a key part in helping Ipswich gain back-to-back promotions but will not be involved in the Premier League campiagn.

Also leaving are Panutche Camara and Nick Hayes with Sone Aluko retiring.

Meanwhile, loanees Omari Hutchinson, Jeremy Sarmiento, Kieffer Moore, Lewis Travis and Brandon Williams will also all return to their parent clubs this summer.

You can read more on the club's official website., external

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