Kieran McKenna, the current manager of Championship side Ipswich, is reportedly being considered for his first role in the Premier League. According to reports, Crystal Palace is eyeing McKenna as a potential replacement for veteran manager Roy Hodgson.

Ipswich Manager Kieran McKenna Attracts Attention from Crystal Palace

Mckenna, who previously served as the U18 manager for Manchester United, has been making waves in the Championship this season. Ipswich currently sits second in the league, with a seven-point lead over third-placed Leeds. McKenna's impressive work has caught the attention of Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace Struggles Prompt Search for Hodgson Replacement

Crystal Palace has been on a poor run of form, failing to win their last eight games. As a result, the club is on the hunt for a replacement for Hodgson, and McKenna is reportedly one of their top targets. Palace had initially planned to keep Hodgson until the end of the season before bringing in a younger manager to implement a new vision. However, McKenna's abilities and Ipswich's strong position in the league may force Palace to accelerate their plans.

Potential Challenges for McKenna

While McKenna's potential move to Crystal Palace seems promising, there are a few obstacles in the way. Firstly, McKenna has built a strong relationship with Ipswich's fans, players, and board, which may make him reluctant to leave mid-season. Additionally, McKenna lacks experience in leading a top-flight team, as he has only coached youth teams at Manchester United for two years and assisted the senior side for three.

Steve Cooper Also Considered as Hodgson Replacement

Aside from McKenna, Crystal Palace is also reportedly considering former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper for the role. However, Cooper was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, so it may be too soon for him to return to the dugout.

Overall, Crystal Palace's search for a new manager is gaining momentum, and it will be interesting to see if McKenna is open to the opportunity and if Palace is willing to pay the necessary compensation to secure his services.