Ipswich Town’s promotion-winning team was soon drenched in Champagne as they celebrated their return to the Premier League. The Tractor Boys secured their spot in the top division after a 22-year hiatus with a commanding 2-0 victory over Huddersfield. Goals from Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson, one in each half, sealed the win. This result also marked back-to-back promotions for Ipswich and confirmed Huddersfield’s relegation to League One.
Under the leadership of Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town has experienced a remarkable revival. The club’s success this season makes them the first team since Southampton in 2011 and 2012 to achieve consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League.
As Ipswich Town players returned to their dressing room to celebrate their long-awaited promotion to the Premier League, the Champagne was already flowing. The team’s triumph and back-to-back promotions had the players chanting “We are going up!” in a burst of jubilation. Fans outside the stadium joined in the celebrations, singing “Super Kieran McKenna” as the entire town embraced the festive mood.
The journey to success was 15 years in the making for Ipswich’s manager, Kieran McKenna. Forced to retire early due to an injury at 22 while on Tottenham’s roster, McKenna transitioned to coaching, earning a sports science degree along the way. After starting his coaching career with Spurs’ youth setup, he joined Manchester United’s academy in 2016. His talent was recognized by José Mourinho, who promoted him to the first-team coaching staff at Old Trafford. Despite Mourinho’s departure, McKenna stayed on under subsequent managers like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
Despite McKenna’s coaching success, Ipswich Town faced struggles in League One, languishing in 11th place in December 2021. After a goalless FA Cup draw against League Two Barrow, the board decided to part ways with Paul Cook. McKenna’s appointment as Cook’s successor was unexpected, given his lack of managerial experience. However, this bold move paid off, leading Ipswich to an unprecedented promotion to the Premier League.
While the players celebrated wildly in the dressing room, they weren’t the only ones enjoying the moment. Outside the stadium, fans and the entire town joined the party, embracing the team’s long-awaited return to the Premier League. Despite not being able to attend, celebrity fan Ed Sheeran shared his excitement about the promotion online, showing just how far-reaching the celebrations were.
