Ipswich secures Premier League promotion. For the First Time in 22 Years
Ipswich secures Premier League promotion. For the first time in 22 years, Ipswich defeated Huddersfield 2-0 on Saturday to earn promotion from the Championship and make their first-ever trip back to the Premier League in twenty-two years.
Thanks to goals from Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson, the Tractor Boys became the fourth team in Premier League history to progress from the third to the top division through straight promotions.
In order for Leeds to move up into the top two, they had to overcome Ipswich and defeat Southampton.
However, Daniel Farke’s team fell to the Saints 2-1 at Elland Road, and as a result, he will meet his former team, Norwich, in the semifinals of the playoffs.
The most well-known supporter of Ipswich, Ed Sheeran, who sponsors the team’s jerseys, was not present for the exuberant celebrations at Portman Road when spectators flocked onto the field and lit blue flares at the end of the game.
At least £200 million in broadcast revenue is now expected to be earned by the Suffolk club, which was only acquired by American investors for £40 million ($50 million).
Boss Kieran McKenna, who has received great feedback in his maiden management position, was the driving force behind Ipswich’s ascent.
A major hip injury kept McKenna from making the cut as a Tottenham player.
But as a young academy coach for Manchester United and Tottenham, the 37-year-old was a success.
Before moving to Ipswich in 2021, he was elevated by Jose Mourinho to assist with coaching United’s first team. He continued in that capacity at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
“Seeing how much it means to everyone—the players and the supporters—means a lot. It’s really huge to be among the leaders of it,” McKenna remarked.
“What a fantastic day, and I’m so pleased with everyone who took part. That is part of our annual routine. It takes a tremendous amount of work.”
“A tremendous task”
Before Saturday, Huddersfield had already been mathematically relegated because of their far worse goal differential than their bottom-dwelling opponents.
After 27 minutes, Burns calmed down the home crowd by shooting low into the bottom corner.
Within three minutes of the second half, Hutchinson, a Chelsea winger who has been a standout player for Ipswich this season, ensured McKenna’s team could unwind.
The highly-regarded McKenna, who has been linked to a transfer to Brighton should Roberto De Zerbi depart the Seagulls, may prove to be difficult to hold onto for Ipswich.
“In a few days, I’m sure it will become clear. Much work has to be done. It will begin in a few days,” McKenna stated.
“The Premier League will be a great challenge and one that I’m really looking forward to.”
After defeating Preston 3-0 to guarantee a spot in the playoffs, West Brom will take on Southampton.
In their first season as a minority owner of the team, Birmingham was demoted by NFL legend Tom Brady, adding to the drama at the bottom of the table.
Despite defeating Norwich 1-0, the Blues could not be saved.
Blackburn’s 2-0 victory at the King Power ended Leicester’s championship celebration, preventing the Foxes from reaching 100 points.
Plymouth held off Birmingham by a point, winning 1-0 to eliminate Hull’s hopes of making the playoffs.
credit: Citizen Digital
