Ipswich Town secure second consecutive promotion to the Premier League
Chairman Mark Ashton and manager Kieran McKenna confirm discussions regarding the squad's future are moving at pace following a campaign defined by character and unity.
Ipswich Town have confirmed their promotion to the Premier League for the 2026 season by defeating Queens Park Rangers to finish second in the Championship. This achievement marks the club's second promotion in three years, following their ascent from League One in 2024. The victory over QPR sealed the title, capping a campaign where the squad demonstrated significant resilience under the guidance of manager Kieran McKenna and chairman Mark Ashton.
The final push for promotion was defined by a remarkable run of eight games in 26 days towards the end of the campaign. This period highlighted the squad's character and unity, with the team finishing the season with only one loss in their final 15 matches. While the club finished with fewer points than the previous season's record, the consistency displayed during this critical stretch underscores the stability of the current setup.
Chairman Mark Ashton has emphasised that the relationship between the business and the team is crucial, noting that togetherness is often in short supply at other clubs. He stated that while he and McKenna do not socialise, they maintain a healthy dialogue and are firmly on the same page. Ashton described the club as an unstoppable force when it comes together, a sentiment echoed by the noisy euphoria surrounding the victory over QPR.
Discussions regarding the squad's trajectory for next season have already commenced, with Ashton confirming that talks with McKenna are moving forward at pace. Ashton expressed a desire for Kieran to remain with the club forever, acknowledging his first-class status as a manager sought after by top European clubs. However, he also noted that football works in cycles and that the aim is to ensure progress is made quickly to avoid being overtaken by rivals.
Former striker Shefki Kuqi has expressed confidence that the club is better equipped to survive in the top flight after learning from their relegation last year. Kuqi stated he is 100% sure the team will acquit themselves better in the Premier League, citing the lessons learned from the 2024-25 campaign. He believes the players have grown over the course of the season and that the club now has the feeling required to stay in the top flight.
The squad did not sign a new striker in the January transfer window to challenge George Hirst and Ivon Azon, despite Azon scoring only five goals this season. Additionally, goalkeeper Christian Walton remains the first-choice keeper despite having played only seven top-flight games in the previous season. These decisions may invite scrutiny as the team prepares for the increased competitiveness of the Premier League.
Despite finishing with fewer points than the previous season's record, the achievement of securing promotion for the second time in three years remains a significant milestone. The club has successfully navigated the challenges of recent years, including a run of only one win in their final 19 matches during the last top-flight campaign. This latest success suggests a more robust foundation for the future.
