Lee Grant joins Kieran McKenna’s coaching staff at Ipswich Town just hours after Man Utd’s departure and retirement were confirmed

LEE GRANT has joined the Ipswich Town coaching staff just hours after announcing his retirement.

The goalkeeper ended four years at Manchester United by ending his playing career at the age of 39.

2

2

He will now join former Red Devils first-team manager Kieran McKenna at Portman Road, the Northern Irishman having left United to take over Ipswich last year.

Grant has accepted a role as first-team coach, with Rene Gilmartin staying on as head of goalkeeping.

Joining Town, Grant told the club’s media channels: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I know Kieran and Martyn (Pert) who worked with them at Manchester United and I loved the work we were given from a playing perspective. Now I look forward to working with them again, albeit in a different role.

“I feel truly blessed that I have been able to make the decision to retire and go straight into an exciting role at Ipswich Town.

“I’ve prepared for this moment over the past few years by earning my coaching licenses, expanding my network and working toward a business degree.

“It was all with the intention of being in a good place for a smooth transition at this point in my career.

“Neither could I join a club with a more exciting base than Ipswich. There are new owners, new direction, a dedicated manager and a crew that is also hungry to get things done.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – THE BEST DEALS FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

“Like I said, I’m looking forward to getting to work and I’ll be ready when the squad return ahead of the new season.”

On bringing his pal Grant on board ahead of next season, McKenna, 36, added: “We are so lucky to have Lee on board on the coaching staff.

“I have worked closely with Lee and he was willing to make the transition to a coaching role as soon as he retired from playing.

“He was a fantastic professional and he’s someone who has a great knowledge of the game. He was always a respected member of every dressing room he was in.

“He will bring a wealth of quality to the role and as he has had a number of opportunities for his next step in the game it’s a great sign for the club that they have made this commitment to us.

“Lee will add value across the board and he will fit in very well with the coaching staff.

“He will work with players on an individual basis but also help the team as a collective and work closely with the forwards in the squad.”