Lee Grant joins Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town coaching staff just hours after confirming Man Utd exit and retiring

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

The goalkeeper ended four years at Manchester United by calling time on his playing career aged 39.

He will now join up with former Red Devils first team coach Kieran McKenna at Portman Road, with the Northern Irishman having left United to take charge of Ipswich last year.

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

Upon joining Town, Grant told the club's media channels: "This is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I am really looking forward to it.

"I know Kieran and Martyn (Pert) having worked with them at Manchester United and I loved the work we were being given from a playing perspective. Now I am excited about working with them again, albeit in a different role.

"I feel really blessed that I have been able to make the decision to retire and go straight into an exciting role with Ipswich Town.

"Over the last few years, I have been preparing for this moment by obtaining my coaching licences, expanding my network and working on a business degree.

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

“I could not be joining a club with a more exciting footing than Ipswich either. There is new ownership, new direction, a driven manager and a squad that is also hungry to go and achieve things.

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"As I say, I am excited to get to work and I will be ready for when the squad returns ahead of the new season."

On having his pal Grant come onboard ahead of next season McKenna, 36, added: "We are so happy to have Lee on board with the coaching staff.

"I have worked closely with Lee, and he has been transitioning ready to make the move into a coaching role as soon as he called time on his playing career.

"He has been a fantastic professional and he is someone that has great knowledge of the game. He has always been a respected member of every dressing room he has been in.

"He will bring a wealth of quality to his role, and, given he had a number of opportunities for his next step in the game, it’s a great sign for the Club that he has made that commitment to us.

"Lee will add value right across the board and he will fit in really well with the coaching staff.

"He will work with players on an individual basis but will also help the team as a collective, as well as working closely with the forwards in the squad."