Szmodics leaving benefits 'dressing room values', says Ipswich boss McKenna
COUNTY BOUND: Ireland's Sammie Szmodics has joined Derby. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Kieran McKenna has cast doubt over the influence of Sammie Szmodics, revealing the decision to allow him join Championship rivals Derby County wasn’t based on football.
The Ireland international moved to the Tractors Boys from Blackburn Rovers for €13m at the start of last season’s Premier League campaign but his gametime has been limited.
While Fermanagh native McKenna acknowledged injuries being a contributory factor, he explained the rationale for allowing him to depart on transfer deadline day.
Szmodics, capped 11 times by Ireland, has reunited with former Blackburn and Ireland assistant boss John Eustace but the wisdom of strengthening a promotion rival – by sanctioning a loan for the rest of the season – has been questioned by the Ipswich faithful.
"It's clear from a football perspective where Sammie's at and how he's done,” McKenna said ahead of Saturday’s meeting with the Rams.
“He had a really positive first half of the season with us in the Premier League, scored some big goals and was on four goals by Christmas. He showed his strengths and we really missed him in the second half of the season.
"He had two big injuries in the calendar year of 2025, both with complicated recoveries that have held him back a little bit. So, there's obvious football things there.
"But in the end it wasn't a football decision, it wasn't related to his football performance.
“It was a decision that was made in the best interests of our group dynamic, of our dressing room culture, of the values of our dressing room and of our team.
"In those respects, the decision was made that it was best that Sammie wouldn't be with us for the rest of the season.
"Of course, there was a possibility of that being on a permanent transfer but when there wasn't a suitable offer it was still considered that it was the best for him not to be here this season. That's all I'm going to say on it really.
McKenna added to the East Anglian Daily Times: "It's difficult for supporters when you can't always give them the full picture. He's gone on loan to a team that's going well and I understand the perception of that.
“But in the end it's those of us in the top end of the club and my responsibility to do what I think is right for the football club. I've done that since I've been here and I'll continue to do that and that was the basis of this decision."
The 30-year-old featured just once in Ireland’s World Cup qualification campaign, starting against the team he was also eligible for, Hungary, in the 2-2 draw on opening night.
Fans grew frustrated when they occasionally saw the attacker reappear in Ipswich’s matchday squad after international breaks but he wasn’t accepting the flak.
“On the mend after a minor knee op,” he wrote on a social media post in October. “Thank you for all the supportive messages,” he added.
“Also thank you for the keyboard warriors that know more about my life and my situation than I do.
“The last two weeks have been nothing shy of ridiculous the amount of hate messages me and my family have received over the recent international football concerns.
“Injury comes with playing games and rest is so important otherwise things like this happen. Question my ability and performance but never question my professionalism.
“Looking to be back ASAP. I will be making no more comments on the matter.”
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