Is Kieran McKenna Being Considered as Newcastle United's Next Manager?

9 November 2026

Reports have linked Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna with the Newcastle United job as speculation continues over Matthias Jaissle's future at St James' Park.

Journalist Alan Nixon reportedly raised McKenna's name on 8 November, with the story subsequently attracting attention from other football publications.

But there is an important distinction between a manager being linked with Newcastle and the club actually approaching him.

There has been no confirmed Newcastle approach to McKenna.

Why is Kieran McKenna being mentioned?

McKenna built his reputation at Ipswich Town, guiding the club to successive promotions from League One to the Premier League.

His coaching background includes working at Manchester United, and his reputation for developing players and building an organised, attacking team has made him an interesting candidate whenever managerial vacancies are discussed.

Is Matthias Jaissle facing the sack?

Newcastle's inconsistent performances have inevitably increased scrutiny of Jaissle, with supporters questioning the team's tactics, results and direction.

However, reports have also indicated that the Newcastle hierarchy continues to support the manager.

There has been no official announcement that Newcastle are looking for a replacement.

Could McKenna actually take over?

McKenna's credentials make him a plausible name in discussions about Newcastle's future, but there is currently insufficient confirmed evidence to suggest that an appointment is being prepared.

For now, McKenna remains a reported possibility rather than a confirmed Newcastle managerial target.

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NUFCBlog members have previously discussed who could be on the club's managerial shortlist if Jaissle is sacked as poor results continue to raise speculation about his future.