Volkswacht Bodensee - McKenna steps down as Ipswich manager to 'dedicate time to family'

A club statement issued Wednesday said the 40-year-old McKenna had "made the decision to step away from football management and dedicate time to his family" following five seasons in charge at Portman Road.

The Northern Irishman has been linked with the vacancy at top-flight rivals Fulham but he insisted he would be taking a complete break from football.

"It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club," McKenna said in Ipswich's statement.

"When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye.

"However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.

"After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far."

J.Sauter--VB