Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League for the second time in three years, and the big question on every fan's mind is: are they better equipped to stay there this time?
For the Tractor Boys faithful, the 2025-26 season has been one to remember. Not only did they complete a memorable double over arch-rivals Norwich City in the East Anglian derbies, but they also secured promotion back to the top flight with a dominant second-place finish in the Championship, sealed by a resounding 3-0 victory over QPR.
Some might argue that their 2024 promotion was the more remarkable achievement, given that the club had climbed from League One just 12 months earlier. But others believe that bouncing back from last season's Premier League relegation—a campaign that saw just one win in their final 19 matches—is an even stronger testament to manager Kieran McKenna's remarkable coaching ability.
The Northern Irishman has quickly re-established himself as one of the brightest young managers in English football. His reputation has grown so much that he was recently linked with the vacant managerial position at AFC Bournemouth, before the job ultimately went to Marco Rose.
"Kieran's a very special manager," Ipswich chairman and CEO Mark Ashton told BBC Radio Suffolk. "He's someone who I know is extremely sought after by the majority of the Championship, the majority of the Premier League, and top European clubs. He's first-class at what he does."
Ashton added: "I would want Kieran to be here forever. I like him and respect him, we work together every day and have a really healthy dialogue. But football works in cycles—nothing lasts forever."
What sets this Ipswich side apart from their previous Premier League venture is the unity running through the club. Ashton has described the team as "an unstoppable force" when everyone pulls in the same direction—a sentiment echoed by the electric atmosphere at Portman Road on promotion day.
That togetherness between the boardroom and the dugout is often the difference between survival and struggle in the Premier League. Just look at the turmoil at clubs like Tottenham and Chelsea, where fractured relationships have led to inconsistent results. While Ashton admits he and McKenna don't socialize—"I don't have time to socialise," the chairman says bluntly—there's no doubt they are firmly on the same page when it comes to the club's vision.
With a proven manager, a united club structure, and the experience of a recent top-flight campaign under their belts, Ipswich Town look far better prepared for the challenges ahead. The question now is whether that preparation will translate into Premier League survival.