Tractor Boys boss revs up for challenge

KIERAN McKenna has sent an early warning to Middlesbrough and other Championship promotion hopefuls - as he insists he believes his Ipswich Town side will be able to mount a serious challenge next season.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Ipswich will return to the Championship after relegation from the Premier League. It follows two years of glory for McKenna at Portman Road in which Michael Carrick's former Manchester United coaching colleague enjoyed back-to-back promotions.

Ipswich return with the benefit of parachute payments but need to rebuild positive momentum after winning only four league games this term. As Boro hope to disrupt the advantages for clubs with parachute payments next term, McKenna is feeling hopeful looking ahead to next season.