Former Manchester United and Derby County coach Lee Grant has been appointed as Ipswich Town's new first-team coach, bolstering Kieran McKenna's backroom staff ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The 41-year-old, who retired from playing in 2022 after a distinguished career spanning over two decades, brings a wealth of experience to Portman Road. Grant previously worked under Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United before joining Derby County's coaching setup last season.
A Strategic Addition to McKenna's Team
Grant's appointment comes as Ipswich prepare for their second consecutive Championship campaign following their impressive League One promotion in 2022-23. His arrival strengthens the coaching team working alongside manager Kieran McKenna, who has transformed the Tractor Boys' fortunes since taking charge in December 2021.
"Lee's experience at the highest level will be invaluable to our squad," a club spokesperson commented. "His understanding of the game from both playing and coaching perspectives makes him the perfect fit for our ambitious project."
From Player to Premier League Coach
Grant's playing career saw him represent clubs including Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley and Stoke City before joining Manchester United in 2018. After hanging up his gloves, he transitioned into coaching at Old Trafford before moving to Pride Park last season.
At Ipswich, Grant will work closely with the club's goalkeepers while contributing to the broader first-team coaching setup. His appointment continues McKenna's strategy of building a diverse coaching team with varied experiences across different levels of English football.
The Tractor Boys are currently preparing for pre-season training as they look to build on their impressive 2023-24 Championship campaign, where they secured a top-half finish in their first season back in the second tier.
