Ipswich have been promoted to the Premier League after beating Huddersfield 2-0 at Portman Road.
The Tractor Boys haven’t been in the top flight since 2002 but, after a 22-year absence, have now reached the promised land – sparking wild celebrations among their fans in the process.
Leicester recently won the Championship, with the Foxes going back up at the first time of asking following their relegation last season.
And Ipswich went into their showdown with Huddersfield knowing that, if they avoided defeat, they’d go up.
Ipswich have secured promotion to the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Huddersfield
PA
Kieran McKenna has worked wonders at the club and, by securing back-to-back promotions, has consolidated his reputation as one of the country’s best up-and-coming managers.
Ipswich took the lead in the 27th minute, with Wes Burns opening the scoring.
And Omari Hutchinson struck three minutes after the interval to double their advantage and make the result safe.
While it was pain for Ipswich, however, it was a devastating day for Huddersfield.
The Terriers had been on the verge of Premier League promotion themselves two years ago, missing out by a single point.
But Huddersfield have now dropped down to League One after their defeat.
Reacting to Ipswich’s promotion, former Tractor Boys star Mick Mills admitted he was delighted to see his old club go up.
“It’s fantastic scenes. I was feeling sorry for Kieran McKenna because he was being engulfed by fans,” he said.
“This is one hell of a picture; the blue smoke, the supporters.
“I’m absolutely delighted. I thought when we got stuck in division one for four years, I wondered if we would ever come back for the Premier League. I grew up linking them to the top level.
“We are going to big, big places. That’s where we deserve to be, that’s where we should be, that’s what the management and the players have given to us.
“My words for Kieran McKenna – thank you.”
As well as Huddersfield, Birmingham have also been relegated.
They were flying high under John Eustace but, after his sacking in October, fell off and struggled to ever regain any momentum.
Wayne Rooney oversaw a dismal time of things at St Andrew’s and was axed in January, with Tony Mowbray drafted in to save the Blues.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Ipswich fans celebrate their promotion to the Premier League
GETTY
Yet Birmingham have now dropped down a division, despite a 1-0 win over Norwich.
The Canaries were written off by many earlier in the season but, after a resurgence, have now qualified for the play-offs.
Leeds, Southampton and West Brom will also battle to make the Premier League.
Leeds will be hoping to reach the top flight after finishing third.
And former Whites boss Simon Grayson believes his old side have a chance at securing promotion.
Birmingham have been relegated from the Championship despite beating Norwich
GETTY
“You are now finishing third, you’ve got the opportunity to get into the Premier League. Would you have took that at the start of the season? Absolutely,” he said.
“Everybody in this stadium will be absolutely devastated how it’s ended up because they wanted automatic promotion but, this season has had plenty of highs and it can still finish on one.
“They’ve got a second opportunity and that’s got to be the message. From Daniel Farke especially.”
Post comments (0)