Ipswich Town’s brief return to the Premier League came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday as they were relegated following a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
In a match that summed up their struggles all season, Ipswich suffered a major setback when Ben Johnson was sent off in the 37th minute after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. The red card left Kieran McKenna’s side vulnerable, and Newcastle wasted no time capitalizing.
Alexander Isak gave Newcastle the lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after Jacob Murphy was fouled by Julio Enciso. Dan Burn extended the Magpies’ advantage with a powerful header in the 56th minute, before William Osula’s strike in the 80th minute sealed Ipswich’s fate.
Ipswich’s relegation was mathematically confirmed with four games remaining, as they sit 15 points adrift of safety behind fourth-bottom West Ham. Their immediate return to the Championship marks a disappointing end to what had initially been a fairytale story.
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Making their first top-flight appearance in 22 years, Ipswich had captured the imagination of football romantics with their incredible rise under manager Kieran McKenna.
Appointed in 2021, the 38-year-old former Manchester United assistant had guided the Tractor Boys to successive promotions from League One and the Championship with an exciting, attacking brand of football.
However, the Premier League proved a brutal step up. Ipswich managed just four wins in their 34 games, often appearing out of their depth against the league’s elite sides.
Early defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City set the tone for a challenging season, and although they secured their first win in November — a 2-1 upset at Tottenham — it was not enough to spark a turnaround.
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Despite flashes of quality, particularly from striker Liam Delap, Ipswich struggled to string results together and remained entrenched in the relegation zone for much of the campaign. A damaging loss to bottom-placed Southampton at Portman Road in February was a major blow to their survival hopes.
Ipswich’s relegation, alongside Southampton and Leicester — both of whom had already been confirmed to drop — marks the first time in Premier League history that all three promoted sides have been relegated with as many as four games still to play.
Speaking before the Newcastle clash, McKenna had already admitted Ipswich’s chances of survival were virtually over. Now, his focus will turn to the future, with hopes that the club’s leadership will keep faith in him to guide Ipswich back to the Premier League.
The journey may have ended in disappointment this time, but with the foundation McKenna has built, Ipswich could yet dream of another rise — this time with the experience needed to stay among England’s elite.
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