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.

READ MORE: Stuart Watson’s verdict on McKenna soap opera

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.

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 fantastic support staff in all areas of the club and we’ll continue to grow and improve.

“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.

Head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin has signed a new deal (Image: PAGEPIX LTD 079769357
“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.

“