How Ipswich ended 22-year exile from Premier League
After more than two decades away from English football’s top flight, Ipswich Town have finally clinched their long-awaited return to the Premier League. Their promotion marks the end of a 22-year exile and signals the revival of a club with deep roots in the history of the English game.
The journey back to the top has been anything but easy. Since their relegation from the Premier League in 2002, Ipswich have endured a rollercoaster of fortunes. From years of mid-table finishes in the Championship to a demoralizing drop into League One in 2019, the club’s loyal supporters have had to remain patient through turbulent times. But under the guidance of manager Kieran McKenna, Ipswich have finally found the formula for success.
McKenna, who took over in December 2021, has transformed the club both on and off the pitch. The former Manchester United assistant brought a fresh tactical approach and instilled a winning mentality throughout the squad. His attention to detail, combined with a deep understanding of modern football, has helped Ipswich evolve into one of the most exciting teams in the EFL.
Promotion was earned through a combination of relentless consistency, clever recruitment, and an attacking style of play that captured the imagination of fans. Ipswich’s 2023–24 Championship campaign was a testament to this philosophy, as they battled neck-and-neck with other promotion hopefuls, maintaining pressure at the top of the table from start to finish.
Key to their success were standout performers such as Conor Chaplin, who played a vital role in the attacking third, and goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky, whose calm presence and shot-stopping ability provided a solid foundation. The midfield engine room, led by the ever-reliable Sam Morsy, kept the team ticking, while McKenna’s ability to rotate players without disrupting momentum became a hallmark of the season.
Off the pitch, the club’s American ownership group, Gamechanger 20, deserves recognition for their investment and strategic vision. They provided financial backing without disrupting the club’s values, enabling smarter transfers and improved infrastructure at Portman Road. The unity between ownership, management, players, and fans created a powerful atmosphere that propelled the club toward its goal.
Ipswich’s return to the Premier League is more than just a sporting achievement—it’s a redemption story. It’s about a historic club, once managed by legends like Sir Bobby Robson, reclaiming its place among the elite. The promotion also promises a new chapter filled with hope, investment, and a fanbase ready to make their voices heard on the biggest stage once again.
