New Delhi: Ipswich Town secured a Premier League promotion with a commanding 3-0 victory against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the regular Championship season on Saturday, May 2. With this win, they took the second automatic Premier League promotion slot.
The Kieran McKenna side needed a victory to finish as runners-up to the Coventry side. George Hirst scored the opening goal in the third minute of the match, and Jaden Philogene netted the second in the ninth minute to settle any nerves at Portman Road.
The celebrations had already started before Kasey McAteer scored the third goal in the 85th minute. Millwall and Middlesbrough were also in the race to secure automatic promotion heading into the final day if Ipswich slipped up. Millwall defeated relegated Oxford United 2-0 to secure third spot, a point behind Ipswich.
Wrexham miss Championship playoffs spot
Wrexham’s dream run through the divisions was stopped after a 2-2 draw at home against Middlesbrough, which cost them a place in the promotion playoffs. The spot was taken by Hull City.
Hull City defeated Norwich City 2-1 at home to finish two points above Wrexham in sixth. The Welsh club needed a draw to qualify for the playoffs, but Hull’s first victory in seven league games ended their hopes.
‘I know how hard we’ve had to work to turn it around’: Ipswich manager McKenna
After the full-time whistle, hundreds of Ipswich fans stormed onto the pitch, sparking an outpouring of joy at Portman Road. Ipswich were promoted to the Championship in 2023 and qualified for the Premier League in the following season, but were relegated with just 22 points last season.
“It means a lot, I have to say. It’s probably been the hardest one (of our three promotions in four years) if I’m honest. It’s brilliant,” Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna told Sky Sports.
McKenna further added that he know how hard they’ve worked to turn the season around. He also said that they had to rebuild this team under difficult circumstances, and they deserve to be in this position today.
Frank Lampard’s Coventry won the title after defeating Watford 4-0 on the final day and finished with 95 points.