Former Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has been warned that taking the vacant Ipswich Town job could be too much of a gamble as he looks to return to management. Gerrard is believed to be keen on getting back into the dugout 18 months after leaving Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq, his third senior managerial post following spells at Villa and Rangers, where he clinched the Scottish Premiership title.
McKenna's Surprise Departure
Ipswich are preparing for life in the Premier League this campaign after just a single season away, but have been rocked by boss Kieran McKenna leaving the club to step back from football. Former England striker Teddy Sheringham admitted he was surprised by McKenna's decision, especially as he hasn't lined up another role.
"I thought Kieran McKenna was going to take the Fulham job and then two weeks later he announces that he's stepping back," Sheringham told ComeOn, as reported by Liverpool.com. "That just goes to show you the pressure these managers are under, that he feels that he needs to take that time out."
Pressure of Management
Sheringham praised McKenna for prioritizing his well-being. "Good luck to him. I think it's fantastic for him and his family that he can do that at this stage of his career. Kieran McKenna is going to be a top manager for the next 15 years or more so why not take that time out now? He knows he's going to get a job as soon as he makes himself available again."
He added: "It is very intense being a football manager. It is all-consuming, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It really gets to you."
Gerrard's Credentials Questioned
Sheringham conceded that while Gerrard might possess the credentials for the position, he would have to think long and hard before accepting a role at a club expected to scrap for survival near the bottom of the division. "Steven Gerrard could take the Ipswich Town job but I think it's a tough ask when you're taking a club like that back into the Premier League."
"It needs a more experienced manager that understands that you're going to be losing games. Ipswich could lose six out of their first eight. A manager like Gerrard might not approach that right and then get fired. For me, Ipswich need a manager with the experience to handle that situation."
