Ipswich Town: Kieran McKenna pleased as coaching staff sign new deals

Martyn Pert (centre), Charlie Turnbull (left), Lee Grant and Rene Gilmartin have all signed new contracts at Ipswich Town. (Image: PA)

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is delighted that his coaching staff have agreed to sign new contracts to stay with him at Portman Road.

The Northern Irishman ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a new four-year deal, having been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Assistant manager Martyn Pert, first-team coaches Charlie Turnbull and Lee Grant and head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin all followed in his footsteps, and McKenna believes that they’ve all had a big part to play in the Blues’ recent success, which bodes well for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kieran McKenna and his backroom staff have all signed new deals at Portman Road
Kieran McKenna and his backroom staff have all signed new deals at Portman Road (Image: Ipswich Town/Matchday Images)

“I’m incredibly well backed, I have to say, of course with the coaching staff around me in Martyn, Charlie, Lee and Rene,” he told Town TV.

“We’ve got wonderful people at the club. I think everyone has stepped up over the last couple of years and improved in their roles, developed each department. We’ve brought some good staff into the building in that time as well and we’ll look to continue to do that.

East Anglian Daily Times: Head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin has signed a new deal
Head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin has signed a new deal

“We’ve got to keep improving in every area and the staff have done a terrific job with that. They give me fantastic support on the training ground and I know Mark is so grateful for the support that he has from the staff here at the stadium.

“I’m delighted with that backing, and of course, my coaching staff are so, so integral to that. They’ve done a terrific job with the playing group and I know they’re excited to continue as well.”