Kieran McKenna urges fans to back Ipswich after criticism of Nigel Farage visit

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna is confident the controversial visit of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to Portman Road last week will not undermine the club’s Premier League promotion bid.

A section of Ipswich fans criticised Farage’s visit before a rally at Trinity Park in Ipswich later the same day, while the club defended their decision to allow him to attend following the backlash on social media.

The club said in a statement that they remained “apolitical” and will engage with representatives “from across the political spectrum”.

Farage posed for photos in the Portman Road dressing room, the press room and pitchside for stills and a video, in which he thanked the club for the “lovely welcome” he had received.

McKenna’s side resume their automatic promotion bid at home on Monday against Birmingham.

When asked if he was concerned about the fans’ reaction to Farage’s visit and the impact that could have on the Portman Road atmosphere, McKenna told a press conference: “I think that bit’s hard for me to comment on.

“If you ask me, in terms of any concerns inside the training ground here, with the staff, with players, then honestly, I feel everyone is really together, really motivated and looking forward to the run-in.

“Knowing that it’s a big challenge, but a big opportunity in terms of how supporters feel and things like that. That’s not for me to say.

“All we can control is what we put on to the pitch for them, and control as much of that as we can.

“Our home support always has been fantastic in my time here. And the best way that we can bring that support behind the team, and keep everyone noisy and pushing us, is to deliver a really strong performance in the absolute identity that the supporters can be proud of.

“So that’s all that I can control, or the players can control at the moment. And I really believe that we’ll do that on Monday, and when we do that, I’m really confident that the supporters will be right there behind us.”

Sources close to the Championship club insisted that no official invitation had been made to Farage, while Reform UK contested that assertion, saying he had been invited by representatives of the club.

McKenna said: “You don’t like to see a situation that’s caused discord among the supporters and people who care about the club.

“But other than that, honestly, I think there’s been lots of opinions and dialogue on it and I think adding my opinion to that doesn’t benefit that much.

“My focus has just been here, working with the players who haven’t been on international duty, trying to get ready for the last eight games, looking forward.”