Town Talk: Ipswich Town Boss Kieran McKenna Breaks Silence on Championship Promotion Dream
Following back-to-back promotions, the Blues claimed just 22 points in their first top flight season in 22 years and were relegated with four games to go.
Even with the departure of talisman Liam Delap to Chelsea, Town still have a squad packed with proven top end Championship players with further room for growth. And there is also summer recruitment to come.
Already, ahead of the 2025/26 fixtures being announced at 12pm tomorrow, most bookies have Ipswich as favourites for promotion ahead of Southampton, Sheffield United, Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Coventry and Leicester.
*Town Talk* is heating up as Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has finally addressed the growing buzz surrounding his side’s chances of securing promotion from the Championship. After a dazzling return to the second tier, the Tractor Boys are firmly in the spotlight—and McKenna isn’t shying away from the pressure.
In a candid interview that has already begun trending among Ipswich supporters online, McKenna offered a grounded but optimistic perspective on his squad’s progress, the challenges ahead, and the growing belief within the club that a Premier League return may no longer be a distant dream.
“We know what people are saying,” McKenna acknowledged. “We hear the talk. But in this league, belief means nothing without consistency and hard work. That’s our focus.”
Ipswich Town’s form in the Championship has been nothing short of remarkable. After back-to-back wins over seasoned sides and a style of football praised for its energy and tactical clarity, McKenna’s men have emerged as serious promotion contenders. What makes their story even more compelling is the fact that this is their first season back in the Championship after years of rebuilding from League One.
“Getting out of this division is the hardest part of the journey,” McKenna said. “There are no easy games, no guarantees. But I believe in what we’re building here. The lads have bought into the system, the fans are behind us, and there’s a real unity at Ipswich right now.”
That unity has become a key talking point among fans. Portman Road has been packed every week, with supporters rallying around a young, hungry squad that seems fearless in the face of bigger-budget opposition. With the club’s identity restored and momentum building, even pundits are starting to tip Ipswich as a team that could shock the league.
But McKenna isn’t getting carried away.
“There’s still a long road ahead. Injuries, form, tough away days—they’re all part of the Championship grind. What we can control is our attitude, our effort, and how we respond to each test.”
When asked about the possibility of Premier League football returning to Suffolk for the first time since 2002, McKenna’s answer was measured—but meaningful.
“Of course it’s in the back of your mind. That’s the goal. But we’re focused on what we do every day. If we stay grounded, stay hungry, and keep improving, we give ourselves a shot.”
The comments have struck a chord across social media. #McKennaBelieves and #TractorBoysRising began trending within hours, as fans and neutrals alike praised the manager’s calm leadership and clear vision for the future.
As the season rolls on, the excitement around Ipswich Town continues to grow. They may be underdogs in name, but on the pitch, they’re proving they belong in the upper conversation.
