Kieran McKenna has outlined his key demand for his next managerial role amid ongoing links with Celtic, saying he wants the chance to "build something memorable".
The former Ipswich Town boss is preparing to begin work as a technical observer for UEFA next week, with Shakhtar Donetsk's clash with AEK Athens at Stamford Bridge set to be his first assignment in the new role.
Celtic links and Ipswich departure
Celtic have previously been keen on bringing in McKenna, but after he guided Ipswich back to the Premier League he chose to remain at Portman Road. Speculation has intensified that the Irishman could replace Martin O'Neill at the end of the Premiership campaign, with the Parkhead icon currently in the midst of a one-year deal that includes an option for an additional year.
Asked by The Guardian what is next for him in management — after visiting clubs including Bayern Munich, Colorado Rapids, and rugby league side Wigan Warriors following his exit from the Tractor Boys — McKenna said: "I wanted to give myself the best possibility to learn before taking on the next challenge. I'm always going to want to be somewhere where I can improve players, play attacking football and win games."
Building something memorable
He added: "But beyond that, I'm a manager who wants to enjoy having that connection with a club, a community, trying to build something memorable. It was a really special opportunity at Ipswich, and you want to do that again in your career. But you have to be ready to come in somewhere and get some short-term success as well."
McKenna also revealed he had offers to leave Ipswich during his time at the club, saying: "I had a lot of different opportunities to leave, could have left in many different circumstances really. But I was always aware I wanted to depart in the best way possible, with the club on a high, back in the Premier League and with a great chance to build for what will hopefully be a really successful period."
McGeady's whispers
Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady last week revealed the whispers he has heard about McKenna. He told Open Goal: "I have heard Kieran McKenna is also lined up for next year. I heard that. People were saying that to me; I was like, 'Kieran McKenna was on £6m a year at Ipswich.'"
