On Saturday, May 2nd, Kieran McKenna managed Ipswich Town FC back to the so-called ‘promised land’ of the Premier League at the first time of asking, adding another major story to the club’s recent rise in English football.
It was his THIRD promotion in four-and-a-half years in charge of the Suffolk-based club. In fact, the Northern Irishman has not managed two seasons in a row in the same division yet in his entire managerial career – so he clearly likes change!
Embed from Getty ImagesThis recent ‘Premier League Promotion 2.0’ was different – in that it was expected, even demanded, and quite possibly needed. In my opinion, this was his best achievement yet for several reasons…
Short pre-season
Ipswich Town were relegated long before the official end of the season during their 24/25 campaign. It was mathematically confirmed following a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle in late April, but their final league fixture wasn’t until the 25th May. This is relevant, as it is three weeks later than the Championship fixtures (not including the play-offs) end.
Town’s 25/26 season in the Championship commenced away at Birmingham City on Friday, the 8th August. The rest of the sides in the division had played their final league fixture on the 3rd of May, giving them nearly a month’s ‘head-start’ of preparation over the newly relegated teams.
Whilst not an excuse ever used within the Tractor Boys’ camp, it must be factored in when assessing their indifferent start to the season following relegation.
Slow start to the campaign
Ipswich won none of their first four league fixtures and only THREE of their first TEN in the Championship last season.
Certainly not the form of the pre-season promotion favourites.
Coventry City already led the way at this stage with 22 points, with Ipswich (14 points) closer to the relegation zone than the automatic promotion places.
The other relegated sides – Southampton (14th) and Leicester (17th) were also struggling to adapt to life back in the EFL.
Thankfully, the Championship season is a relentless slog, and with so many games to play, it was never going to be decided after less than a quarter of the fixtures played.
Both Ipswich (automatic promotion as runners-up) and Southampton (play-off finalists before being expelled) played the ‘long game’, but Leicester City would remarkably leave the division at the other end. The 2015/16 Premier League champions dropping to League One following a disastrous campaign highlighted how difficult it can be to adapt.
Therefore, the powers of recovery that Kieran McKenna instilled in his ‘much-fancied’ side should not be understated, especially after the Tractor Boys had already shown signs of building momentum
Embed from Getty ImagesExpectations through the roof
Kieran McKenna recently revealed that this season had been his ‘hardest’ promotion of the lot so far – and I think this is because of the added pressure on his side.
It is natural that the better you do, the more that is expected – and this is exactly what happened for a side with a fanbase demanding an immediate return to the Premier League.
In addition, they were installed as the ‘Bookies’ favourites before a ball was kicked.
Various media outlets were also pointing to the ‘parachute payments’ they were receiving, the huge value of Premier League prize money, and the transfer fees splashed on ‘big name’ players for this level.
Despite losing young superstars Liam Delap and Omari Hutchinson, McKenna was backed heavily in the summer transfer market – adding Norwegian teenage playmaker Sindre Walle Egeli for £17.5m and winger Kasey McAteer for £12m.
In addition, £10m was spent on midfield enforcer Azor Matusiwa and another £7.5m on the controversial deal to bring in midfielder Marcelino Nunez from rivals Norwich City. When added to a squad already boasting proven Championship quality in Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene, you can see why confidence was high for an immediate return to the ‘big league.’
Embed from Getty ImagesTherefore, taking all of that into account, it was the first time in McKenna’s managerial career that he was expected to win every single game that he oversaw. Of course, doing that is unrealistic – but it doesn’t stop the burden of expectation weighing more heavily on everyone at the club. Naturally, impatience grew in the stands when it didn’t click immediately on the field.
In football, they say you are only ever THREE bad results away from the sack – and this is especially prevalent when the stakes of promotion to the Premier League are so high.
McKenna was never in danger of being relieved of his duties – especially after the loyalty he showed the club by staying amid other Premier League interest across recent summers – but his ‘margin for error’ was significantly reduced.
For much of the last season, Ipswich were a ‘work in progress’ as McKenna built momentum with a new batch of players integrating into his system and adjusting to his ways of working.
Irrespective of the supposed high-level players at his disposal, he did superbly well to get them functioning at the required standard to secure a top-two spot in arguably the toughest fixture schedule in world football.
Highlights included the doubling of champions Coventry City (3-0 and 2-0), along with delighting the club’s long-suffering supporters by winning both East Anglian derbies against Norwich City. This ended a run of 14 games without beating the ‘Canaries’ and was their first derby-day double since the 1992-93 season.
Embed from Getty ImagesMore ammunition for this being McKenna’s best promotion of the lot, to date.
A series of underwhelming displays
A 3-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic was the most sobering of all for the Blues – and was their only home defeat of the entire campaign. Added to the fact that it came just four days after losing 2-1 away at Middlesbrough, this could have been a pivotal point in the season.
It turned out to be just that – but in a positive way…
From there, Ipswich lost just TWICE in their next seventeen league fixtures to rocket up the table. And oddly, the two they did lose during this period were away at Oxford Utd and Leicester City – both of whom would be relegated to League One.
McKenna seemingly had a way of getting his side up for the really big occasions – and made sure they always bounced back from any poor showings.
Within the group, the spirit always seemed good – something McKenna has been credited with implementing in his recent successful seasons.
After all, having an ‘off-day’ is okay – as long as it doesn’t become a habit – or happen at crucial times.
What got them over the line?
McKenna’s promotion experience: It’s already been said, but THREE promotions in four seasons means that the manager knows exactly what to do in crunch moments. Intriguingly, Ipswich have never won a league title under McKenna, but neither have they had to come through the playoffs. Second place still secures the overall objective, and that’s where he’s always finished.
Home Form: Ipswich Town’s Home record in the EFL under Kieran McKenna has been phenomenal – with just FIVE defeats in 83 fixtures. In both Championship seasons, they suffered a sole defeat (to Leeds in 23/24 and to Charlton in 25/26). Strong home foundations and a relentless winning mentality have propelled them to THREE promotions.
Solid defence (on the whole): Barring a 5-3 defeat away to ‘Hollywood’ backed Wrexham, Ipswich had a fairly stingy defence in the Championship last season. Goalkeeper Christian Walton kept 16 clean sheets as he came runner-up in the division’s Golden Glove award. Whilst not on the same incredible scale as Burnley last season (just 16 conceded), Ipswich had the joint-second best defence in the League, conceding 47 times.
Individual moments of brilliance: It was a common theme throughout the season that Ipswich Town failed to dominate and ‘kill off’ several opponents. However, they were able to call upon individual moments of brilliance that gave them valuable points at key times. A Jaden Philogene hat-trick sunk Sheff United 5-0 for the first league win of the season. Jack Clarke top-scored with 16 goals from wide midfield – including some late pressure penalties and FIVE goals when coming on as a ‘super’ substitute.
Turning up on the big occasions: In a season when Ipswich weren’t always at their very best, they still ‘turned up’ for the big occasions. As already mentioned, they doubled both Coventry City and Norwich City. They also beat Hull City home and away without conceding a goal. Their only defeat to a side inside the top six was a 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough in October.
In addition, when it mattered most, they scored vital late goals. Jack Clarke held his nerve to convert a late penalty (86th min) in a 2-2 draw vs promotion rivals Middlesbrough – and the same player netted in the same minute to salvage a draw away to Southampton too. Both examples prevented the opposition from gaining any ground on their automatic promotion spot.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat's next?
It was once famously said that ‘Life begins at 40.’
Kieran McKenna turned 40 on the 14th of May, and if his managerial career highlights are still to come, then he’s in for some ride…
I’m certain the Ipswich Town boss will relish another ‘crack’ at the Premier League. With his added experience and the scars of relegation still healing, he will surely believe that keeping them up this time is a realistic ambition.
Two years ago, following his first promotion to the Premier League with Ipswich, McKenna was touted for the Manchester United job – and he was also strongly linked to the Brighton managerial vacancy. These two roles are now filled, but reports continue to suggest the Northern Irishman could move away from Portman Road in the near future.
Both Crystal Palace and Fulham have been linked with the highly rated young manager. A Celtic connection has resurfaced, too – with their initial interest shown in October 2025 following Brendan Rodgers’ departure.
One thing is for certain, though; he’s etched into the folklore of the Ipswich Town FC faithful following yet another promotion last time out. For more stories across the game, follow our latest football news and sports analysis.
Embed from Getty Images
