Photo Credit: Getty Images
Ipswich Town promotion to the Premier league comes after 22 years of input work and dedication. This comes after a crucial 2-0 victory against Huddersfield on Saturday. Ipswich Town becomes the fifth team after Southampton in 2012 to win a back to back promotion from a third- tier league one to the premier league. Watford was the first team in 1999, Manchester city became the second team in 2000 and Norwich City in 2011.
Ipswich Town promotion comes after securing the second place in the Championship league campaign. After playing 46 games, Ipswich Town has won 28 matches, two games behind the league leaders Leicester city. Ipswich Town has only lost only six matches, five matches clear from the league leaders. Ipswich Town has scored 96 goals so far and has a goal difference of 35 goals.
Kieran McKenna's side will join Leicester city in promotion to England’s top flight with either Leeds, Southampton, Westbrom and Norwich joining later after playing the Championship playoffs which will kick off on May 12th . Ipswich Town campaign has been all because of top performances from the Australian Massimo Luongo who has so far made 45 appearances for the Socceroos. He has been all along a key player since coming to the team’s midfield.
In one of Kieran McKenna’s interview with sky sports, McKenna expressed his feeling as; “ I feel great. A lot of relief, I have to say. Its a wonderful day.” Based on McKenna’s statement, it was clear that he is looking forward to games against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“ Its the best league in the world, best clubs, best manager and players. It is going to be great. It’s a great challenge, competing against the best in the world.” Kieran McKenna added. “ We just set out to be as we could possibly be. The closer you get to the end you know you are within reach of an amazing achievement and we are so glad we are able to finish off well.” He added.
Ipswich Town promotion marks a remarkable drift for the club without forgetting that the team was languishing in 11th position in the third tier. This was before Kieran McKenna took over in 21st December. The next season in charge, McKenna earned an automatic promotion after attaining 98 points, slightly behind the league leaders Plymouth.
“ Next season will be a challenge. We kept an incredible level of consistency from league one to the Championship in all aspects really and we are going to do it again. It’s a massive job. We will try to keep the best things that have helped us get here and try to bring them to a completely different level.”
The milestones set by former Ipswich managers such as Sir Bobby Robson, George Burley and Sir Alf Ramsey are one of a kind. Kieran believes there is a long way to go before joining them. He also believes there are good days ahead. “ We are so proud of what we have done but hopefully there are good days ahead for the club as well. Its something to cherish.” He said.
