A Premier League Crash Course: What’s Next for Kieran McKenna and Ipswich Town After Relegation?
In what feels like a bittersweet twist, Ipswich Town’s lightning-fast rise through the leagues has come to an abrupt halt. After a fairy-tale double promotion from League One to the Premier League, the Tractor Boys are heading back to the Championship—relegated with four games still left after a 3-0 loss to Newcastle.
No one—perhaps not even the American consortium that took control in 2021—expected the dream to unfold this fast. But with the Premier League proving a harsh teacher, Ipswich’s stay at the top was short-lived.
The Cost of Fine Margins and Inexperience
Some point to poor luck, like the 27 points dropped from winning positions. Others argue the jump in quality was just too steep for a side still built around the core of their League One squad.
The perfect example? A cruel twist at Fulham in January. Jack Clarke struck the post late in the game while Ipswich were leading. Moments later, Leif Davis brought down Raul Jimenez, who scored from the spot to snatch a 2-2 draw.
That moment, now etched in fans’ minds, sparked a miserable run—eight defeats in the next nine. Their next win wouldn’t come until April 5 against Bournemouth.
And Portman Road, once a promotion fortress, was no longer home sweet home—offering just one Premier League victory all season, a 2-0 win over Chelsea.
New Signings: Boom or Bust
Injuries didn’t help, but Ipswich’s transfer window was hit-and-miss.
Liam Delap shone brightest with key goals and a £30m release clause that’s expected to be triggered this summer. Napoli’s Jens Cajuste was solid, but unlikely to stick around. Kalvin Phillips, meanwhile, never hit stride—another frustrating chapter in his post-Man City journey.
At the back, Dara O’Shea held his ground while Jacob Greaves struggled for consistency. Up front, promising players like Jaden Philogene, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Sammie Szmodics were all hampered by injury setbacks.
Even in goal, things didn’t click. Arijanet Muric struggled badly, and by the time Alex Palmer arrived from West Brom, the damage was done.
McKenna’s Future: Staying the Course
Despite links to top-flight jobs last summer, Kieran McKenna stayed loyal, signing a new deal. And he’s not walking away now.
“We’re in a much better position than the club has been over previous years,” McKenna said after relegation. “The journey has been a fantastic one which sets us up well. It’s a step back now but that’s often the way in terms of taking steps forward.”
He added: “We’ve climbed so quickly from League One. It’s been a massive challenge to tackle that.”
And it’s clear he’s already thinking ahead. If the squad remains largely intact—aside from likely departures like Delap and Omari Hutchinson—there’s strong potential to mount a return.
Eyes on the Future
Clubs like Burnley have shown that a quick return is possible. But others, like Luton, highlight the dangers of falling into a slump.
Still, Ipswich fans don’t regret a second of their recent journey. Two years of incredible highs have laid solid foundations. And one thing’s for sure—they don’t intend to wait another 22 years for Premier League football.
The story isn’t over. It’s just beginning.
The future’s bright. The future’s blue and white.
