Kieran McKenna has stepped down as Ipswich Town manager.
This comes after the Irishman secured The Tractor Boys their second promotion to the Premier League.
McKenna, who had been linked with the Celtic job on several occasions, has decided to take a break from management to spend time with his family.
In a heartfelt message on the Ipswich website, McKenna said: "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."
He also expressed his pride in the progress made and his optimism for the club's future.
McKenna took charge of Ipswich Town five seasons ago.
Reflecting on his time with the club, he said: "To manage this club has been an absolute privilege.
"Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life."
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The former manager acknowledged that it was never easy to say goodbye, especially after the club's second promotion to the Premier League last season.
He said: "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."
McKenna was also quick to recognise the contributions of the people who played their part in the club's journey, from the board to the coaching staff, players, and the fans.
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to manage the club at 35 years old, and the support he received from the Ipswich community.
Ipswich Town chairman, Mark Ashton, praised McKenna for his "incredible" work at the club over the last five years.
He said: "The job Kieran has done at this football club over the last five years is simply incredible.
"Achieving three promotions in four seasons, in what is your first role as a manager, is an achievement which means Kieran is now rightly discussed in the same breath as the legends of this club."
Ashton expressed his pride in McKenna's achievements and acknowledged the manager's dedication to his role.
He added: "I know just how much of himself he has given to his job and he should be incredibly proud of all he has achieved."
Despite his regret that their journey together has come to an end, Ashton said he respected McKenna's decision to step down after five intense years.
He concluded: "Kieran will be greatly missed but he and his family leave us with our immense gratitude for all he has done.
"He will always be welcome at Portman Road.
"Thank you for everything, Kieran. It’s been an absolute pleasure."
The departure of McKenna marks the end of an era for Ipswich Town, with fans and the Ipswich Town community expressing their gratitude for the unforgettable memories and achievements under his leadership.
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