Ipswich's improved Premier League squad faces new test in 2026

Ipswich secured promotion back to the Premier League with a dominant Championship campaign under Kieran McKenna.

Promotion seals McKenna's revival Ipswich Town delivered a standout season for their supporters by completing league doubles over rivals Norwich City and securing a quick return to the Premier League. The club's performance marks a dramatic recovery following last year's swift top-flight relegation, which saw them win only one game in their final nineteen matches. Kieran McKenna's leadership has restored his standing as one of English football's most promising young managers. His reputation grew further after he was mentioned as a candidate for the vacant AFC Bournemouth role before Marco Rose was appointed. ## Club leadership praises McKenna Ipswich's chairman and CEO Mark Ashton described McKenna as 'a very special manager' and emphasized his high demand across the Championship and Premier League. Ashton stated, '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.' He added, 'I would want Kieran to be here forever. I like him and respect him, I work with him every day, we have a really healthy dialogue, but football works in cycles, nothing lasts forever.' ## Unity drives success on and off field Ashton highlighted the importance of unity at a club, noting that 'when this club really comes together as one, it's an unstoppable force.' The harmony between leadership and coaching staff contrasts sharply with clubs where such alignment is missing, like Tottenham and Chelsea. Despite not socializing outside work, Ashton and McKenna share strong professional alignment. Ashton explained, 'I try to give him his space to do what he needs to do, but to be there as a support mechanism, a challenge mechanism, and make sure - almost as a no-excuse culture - that he has everything he needs to do what he needs to do.' ## Future plans discussed with urgency Ashton, who believes rapid progress is essential to avoid being overtaken by rivals, confirmed that discussions about next season have already taken place with McKenna. The goal is to move forward 'at pace' and build on the club's upward trajectory. Ashton described their working relationship as built on mutual respect and open dialogue with no restrictions in conversation. ## Squad evolution from League One to Premier League McKenna's management style faced scrutiny last year after showing loyalty to players who had previously delivered success. Six members of the starting eleven from the 2024-25 season opener against Liverpool—Christian Walton, Luke Woolfenden, Leif Davis, Massimo Luongo, Wes Burns, and Conor Chaplin—remained key figures. Of those, Walton, Davis, Burns, and striker George Hirst are still part of the current squad. The club underwent a major squad overhaul last summer with eleven new signings, including Chilean playmaker Marcelino Nunez from Norwich City for a reported £10 million. ## New signings struggle early but find rhythm later The revamped squad initially struggled during the opening four league games without a win. Additional reinforcements arrived in January with Anis Mehmeti and Dan Neil joining the ranks. While the 2024 team amassed 96 points, 28 wins, and 92 goals, the current group's totals reflect the heightened competition in this year's Championship. McKenna noted, 'The players have grown over the course of the season - you look at this last run, this was our eighth game in 26 days, three away games back-to-back, there have been a lot of challenges. To finish with one loss in 15 games really shows the character of the group really came together by the end.' ## Striker question emerges as key summer challenge A notable absence from January's transfer window was a new striker to support George Hirst and Ivon Azon, who contributed five goals each. In contrast, the 2024 promotion push benefited from Kieffer Moore's loan arrival, scoring seven goals. With just 36 league goals last season, securing a reliable marksman is seen as vital for survival. Midfielder Jaden Philogene contributed 11 goals but may not receive as many opportunities to showcase his flair next term. Questions also linger over Christian Walton's status as first-choice goalkeeper and the defensive structure's resilience. ## Local pride and community celebration Ed Sheeran, a minority shareholder at Portman Road, shared his joy for the club and region, saying, 'I'm super happy for the football club but I'm happy for the county, it lifts the county, lifts the spirits of people who live in it. Ipswich and Suffolk doesn't have a lot of things like this happening so when it happens it's amazing.' Former Ipswich striker Shefki Kuqi echoed the sentiment, stating that Ipswich 'belong' in the Premier League and described the club as having 'great supporters' and a family-like atmosphere. ## Experts forecast better top-flight return Kuqi expressed confidence that Ipswich will perform better next season due to the lessons learned during their 2024-25 Premier League campaign. He remarked, 'They have the feeling now and they have been there last year so I think they are more ready - I think they will be there forever now.' His view underscores the belief that the club is now more prepared for the challenges ahead.