Ipswich Town took a massive step towards promotion back to the Premier League with a crucial 2-1 away victory at Coventry City on Tuesday night. The win lifts Kieran McKenna’s men three points clear of second-placed Leeds United in the Championship table with just one match remaining.
The Tractor Boys now need only a point from their final fixture at home to already-relegated Huddersfield Town to seal automatic promotion. It would mark an astonishing achievement for Ipswich to bounce straight back to the top flight in McKenna’s second season in charge since dropping to League One last year.
At his post-match press conference, a proud McKenna praised his players for putting themselves on the cusp of promotion. “It’s another emotional night and we have had a few of them. To be on 93 points with a game to go is an incredible tally and credit to the boys,” he said. The former Manchester United coach admitted the rapid rise has exceeded his expectations so early into his Ipswich tenure.
With over £200 million in Premier League broadcasting revenues and sponsorship deals at stake, Saturday’s Nervy finale under the Portman Road lights is set to be an night to remember for Ipswich fans. They need only avoid defeat against a depleted Huddersfield to spark celebrations not seen at the club since Bobby Robson’s halcyon days in the 1980s and 90s.
After years outside the top flight, promotion would be a remarkable achievement for the Suffolk club and its loyal support. It has been a near-perfect season under McKenna’s management, steadily gaining momentum. Now tantalizingly close, all that remains is to finish the job against Huddersfield and wrap up what has been an instant revitalization and return to England’s elite division.
