Ipswich return to Premier League after 22 years away as ex-Man Utd coach Kieran McKenna wins successive promotions
IPSWICH have been promoted to the Premier League.
The Tractor Boys booked their place in the top-flight with 2-0 win over Huddersfield on the final day of the Championship season.
Ipswich will return to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years!
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 4, 2024pic.twitter.com/FX9D0SWif4
Ipswich came into the game knowing they only needed to avoid defeat against the relegated Terriers – but finished a fantastic season off in style as Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson scored the goals.
Ipswich have not been in the Premier League since the 2001/02 season.
Led by former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna, he has fired them to back-to-back promotions.
When Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former assistant took over at Portman Road in December 2021, they were 12th in the third tier.
But in a remarkable rise, McKenna has guided them to a second place finish in League One last season.
And he has now followed it up with a successive runners-up promotion from the Championship.
The 37-year-old boss’ sensational work is highlighted by nine of his starting XI today playing in the division below last term.
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Since McKenna’s arrival, only Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery have a higher win percentage in English football than him.
In the Championship this season, Ipswich have been beaten just six times this term, which is the lowest in the division.
With 92 goals they are also the highest scorers.
As Ipswich secured their Prem place, there was a party atmosphere in East Anglia.
Fans set off blue flares and waved flags on the team’s arrival at Portman Road.
And at the final whistle, there was a pitch invasion from supporters.
Ipswich join title winners Leicester in sealing their spot in the Premier League next season.
Leeds, Southampton, West Brom and Norwich will battle it out for the last promotion spot via the play-offs.