Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been out of work since he was sacked by Besiktas last summer, but the former Manchester United manager has now been linked with a new job
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might be offered an opportunity to make his Premier League comeback as newly-promoted Ipswich Town search for Kieran McKenna’s successor.
McKenna, who had served under Solskjaer at Manchester United, confirmed his departure from Portman Road last week. His exit arrives just weeks after steering the club to a third promotion in five years, though the Tractor Boys will require a new figure to spearhead their survival bid.
Solskjaer has been without a role since his dismissal by Besiktas in August last year. However, he has now emerged as a contender for the vacant position at Portman Road.
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The Norwegian was touted for a return to Manchester following Ruben Amorim’s sacking. However, the club ultimately opted for Michael Carrick instead.
Solskjaer would undoubtedly welcome an opportunity to demonstrate his credentials in the top division after a disappointing conclusion to his spell at the Reds. Before that, he had taken the reins at Cardiff City, though ultimately oversaw the club’s drop into the Championship.
He continues to harbour ambitions of a managerial comeback, and the BBC reports that both he and Gary O’Neil are among the names under consideration by Ipswich. O’Neil is currently at the helm of Strasbourg.
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He has caught the eye of those at Portman Road after demonstrating a proven ability to keep Premier League sides out of trouble. His first managerial role was with Bournemouth, where he steered them to safety in 2023.
He then moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers, taking charge on the eve of the season, yet still guided the club to a 14th-place finish. McKenna’s departure from Suffolk came amid strong speculation linking him with the Fulham vacancy following Marco Silva’s exit.
However, the 40-year-old insists he left to take a break away from the sport to spend more time with his family. “It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club,” McKenna said.
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“When you have the connection that we have built at this club, there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.
“I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club. After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far.”
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