Ipswich have returned to the Premier League for the for the first time since 2002 after earning back-to-back promotions.
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22-year exile from top flight endedCame up from League One last seasonBeat Leeds to final promotion placeWHAT HAPPENED?
Ipswich needed to avoid defeat against Huddersfield to guarantee their place in the top flight next season. The only combination that could have prevented the Tractor Boys from beginning their promotion party was if Leeds beat Southampton and the Suffolk side lost, but Kieran McKenna's side were comfortable 2-0 victors over the doomed Terriers at Portman Road.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
East Anglia's finest have provided an incredible story in 2023-24 and they can now get ready to rub shoulders with some of the best clubs in the world as they prepare for their Premier League homecoming. They only made their way back into the Championship last season but have stood out as a shining example of what good recruitment and an excellent manager can do.
DID YOU KNOW?
No team lost fewer games or scored more goals in the Championship than Ipswich this term. Champions Leicester suffered ten defeats compared to the Tractors Boys' six and – with the help of top scorers Conor Chaplin and Nathan Broadhead – they bagged over 90 goals.
Getty WHAT NEXT FOR IPSWICH?
McKenna will enjoy the celebrations for the next few days but very quickly turn his attention to next season's challenge. As proved by Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United, it is increasingly difficult to stay up in the Premier League as a promoted side and it will take a mountain of preparation for the 37-year-old to condition his players for the task at hand.