Ipswich chairman admits shock at McKenna's exit but says it was not surprising

Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton has revealed he was initially 'shocked' by Kieran McKenna's decision to resign as manager, but later said he was 'not surprised' given the strain of the job.

McKenna ended the club's 22-year Premier League exile before stepping down, citing a need to take a break from management and spend more time with his family. He informed Ashton shortly after securing promotion.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Ashton explained that after several conversations, it became clear McKenna was genuinely ready for a hiatus. 'It's been a challenging few weeks, if I'm honest,' Ashton said.

'You're always shocked when something like this happens, but when you look with a clearer lens, you're shocked but not surprised.'

Ashton dismissed suggestions that McKenna's exit was linked to a potential move to Fulham, saying McKenna was clear that he wanted to step back for a period.