Five pivotal moments for McKenna at Ipswich

Five pivotal moments for Kieran McKenna at Ipswich4 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleNigel French/PA MediaKieran McKenna will be much missed by Ipswich fansAs fans recover from the news that Kieran McKenna has decided to step away from football for a while, BBC Suffolk sports editor Graeme McLoughlin reflects on what he feels are the five most pivotal moments of the former boss's Ipswich Town career.Simon Marper/PA Media2023 was an important year for Town - just when all seemed lost, Sam Morsy and the team were to turn things around1. Bristol Rovers 0 Ipswich Town 0 (14 February 2023)A dour stalemate at the Memorial Stadium, after which captain Sam Morsy clashed with supporters in the away end before issuing an apology the following day. The result meant Town had just one win from eight games in all competitions. They trailed League One leaders Plymouth by 10 points and fellow promotion chasers Sheffield Wednesday by eight. The Owls also had a game in hand. For many, including myself, hopes of winning automatic promotion during Kieran McKenna's first full season in charge were over. Play-offs at best. How wrong we were.An always measured Kieran McKenna galvanised his players and would soon introduce Massimo Luongo – an underwhelming January addition for some - alongside Morsy in midfield. It proved to be a masterstroke.Town followed up their Blue Valentine's Day with an incredible run of 13 wins and two draws from their remaining league fixtures that season, blowing several teams away before half-time, to deservedly book their place in the Championship.2. Sunderland 1 Ipswich Town 2 (6 August 2023)George Tewkesbury/PA MediaCould George Hirst cut the mustard?McKenna and his players had done it in League One but could they cope at a higher level, and could striker George Hirst – who signed permanently during the summer – finally break his Championship duck in front of goal? The answer was a resounding yes to both. An opening match of the seas...