Ipswich Town: Kalvin Phillips feeling loved after West Ham negativity

The former Leeds and England star has endured a difficult couple of years, struggling for game time at Man City, being labelled 'overweight' by Pep Guardiola, dropping out the international set-up and then receiving criticism during a brief loan spell at West Ham.

He responded to abuse from Hammers fans with a choice hand gesture following a 4-3 defeat at Newcastle back in March and, ahead of his return to the London Stadium on Saturday, admits he decided to join the newly-promoted Blues this summer to play with 'less stress'.

Asked if he'd spoken to Phillips about his experience in East London, McKenna replied: “Not massively. That was a pretty short period in a relatively long career.

"I don't know the ins and outs of it. I'm sure he would have liked to have played a little bit more (three starts), but I do know that January loan moves when you’re not playing very much before you arrive are difficult because you’re playing catch up and competing against players who are 90 minutes fit.

“He’s with us now though. He’s happy here and we’re happy with him."

Kalvin Phillips has started Ipswich Town's Premier League draws against Fulham, Brighton and Aston Villa. (Image: Ross Halls)

Having seemingly felt the pressure at West Ham, Phillips has certainly felt the love at Portman Road. He appeared to be taken aback and uplifted by the standing ovation he received when subbed on his full league debut against Fulham back in August.

“I think that’s massive for all our players," said McKenna. "It’s been an incredible atmosphere in the stadium and the players are really feeling that support.

“All of the players who have signed over the last couple of years have noticed the positive environment both inside and outside the club.

"The people they come across in their daily lives are so passionate about the club, they’re so positive about the direction of travel and they’re so positive to see the club now competing in the Premier League. That’s a great environment for any player to play in. 

“I spoke to all the players who came in this summer about how this will be a fantastic place to play football. I think Kalvin is feeling the benefit of that, as many players are. 

“Being in a supportive, positive environment with lots of great team-mates, hopefully good staff, and the supporters right behind you can really help."

Ipswich are still searching for their first Premier League win following back-to-back promotions, but are now unbeaten in four following draws against Fulham, Brighton, Southampton and Aston Villa.

West Ham, meanwhile, have lost their opening three home league games as new boss Julen Lopetegu continues to bed in a number of expensive summer signings.

McKenna added: “Kalvin's settling in well and enjoying it day-to-day here. I think he’s getting fitter and each performance he’s had for us has probably been a little bit stronger than the last.  Of course it’s not always a perfect line, but we feel that he’s got a chance to work himself up to some really good form. 

“Over the last few years we’ve generally played with closer to a double pivot, maybe one of those midfielders having a little bit more flexibility, but in our build-up play it’s generally two midfielders close together. Him and Samy (Morsy) have done that well in the last couple of games. 

“Having two really combative midfielders who can protect the backline whenever we’re pressing is important. That’s one of Kalvin's big, big strengths. He’s really mobile and reads danger well. 

“Massimo (Luongo)’s been terrific at that over the last couple of years, Jens (Cajuste) did some really good against Southampton and Jack Taylor is going from strength to strength, so that midfield unit is in a good place."